After the first listen I would say it already has a lot of good moments.

Easily tops their debut - time to give this another listen.

Edit: it seems the album begins to steadily lose momentum about halfway through the album. That's not to say that the last four tracks aren't good - just that the first half sets a high bar which the last few fail to maintain. "Veri" was also a pretty boring closer.

First half - 8.5/10
Second half - 7.5/10

Hmm... it peaks at Last Of All Winters, which is one song btw, but I find the second half better than the first half, Abyss and Resistance stand out for me. Veri isn't too great though.

I am a really big fan of his work, always has been... But this album seems a little too uninspired to me, below his normal standard. I had the same feeling with the debut but it is even more apparent to me right now. Some rather isolated catchy moments, maybe one or two really memorable songs but overall - as a whole - too generic and repetitive -> I either heard all the stuff already on his previous albums, or the compositions/arrangements are too rushed, not well-thought-out enough. The album just lacks some polish, a sense of true professionalism.

Comparing the Shadow World to Rise of the Phoenix, Routa or Pimeys... I just cannot help myself, Tuomas needs to reinvent his style a bit, give himself more time to gain inspiration and develop initial musical ideas further, more in-depth.

All of this is even more apparent when compared to The Darkness, Darkness Walks Beside Me or Soundscape of Silence... Nevertheless, I bought this album (just like all the previous ones). I just love his take on melodeath... I am glad to live in the same time period as such a great and unique artist.

Last of All Winters is one of the best songs i've heard this year. The album overall is pleasant to listen.

Album just like one of Thousands. Disappointed.

Last of All Wİnters may be the best song that Tuomas has ever written

A good Melodic Death metal album in my opinion. There are some really great compositions with influences of Insomnium and of course of Tuomas's previous projects.

Mmmmm heavy with melodic moments weaved in. mmm yep
Heavy Score: 7

For ranking system see: Poat's Heavy Ranking System

Written by Michaelis on 24.08.2015 at 14:17

Album just like one of Thousands. Disappointed.

Honestly, I think Tuomas' style is very distinct. Can you name anything similar?

Reminded me of "Phoenix rising". It was not in only in the same music direction but had two great tracks in front of many fillers. "Nemesis" (that ending riff is excellent, one of the best they have composed) and "Abyss" (reminded me of the old stuff) were bomb tracks. "Zero Gravity" was a good attempt but it had some copies of Nevermore riffs
Weaker than the debut, but still we are listening to something.

#1sthalf>2nd

Written by LeKiwi on 17.09.2015 at 17:39

#1sthalf>2nd

mmm yes, yea defo defo, 10/10 would agree
for agree ranking system see: Poat's Agreeing Ranking System

Written by Poat on 17.09.2015 at 23:40

mmm yes, yea defo defo, 10/10 would agree
for agree ranking system see: Poat's Agreeing Ranking System

You freak...

Solid. I would say it stands out much more than a typical run-of-the-mill effort.

It took me some time to enjoy this album. Now after I've given it some listens I'd say it's a masterpiece!

Very good solid melodic death metal!