Trials - In The Shadow Of Swords - review
Trials - In The Shadow Of Swords - review
Tracklist
01. Conjoined02. Believers In Black
03. Blueprints Of Metaphor
04. In The Misery Machine
05. With Only Sorrow Now
06. All The Promises
07. Upon This Day
08. Ancestor
09. Embracing Nothing
10. Jawbreaker [Judas Priest cover] [bonus]
11. Spirit Leaves [CD bonus]
A review by
Susan May 19, 2013
Rarely do you hear such passion poured into a record. Trials plays music that is strong and powerful, driving forward with everything they have, but whether you're looking to rage or looking for love, these songs run the gamut of vital emotions. Never staying in one place too long, each experience feeds into the next and leads you back around to driving, groove-laden metal.
In addition to the raw power, the bits of melody that are included will worm their way into your ear and draw you back over and over. The classic thrash roots lay a solid foundation but it's those melodies that protrude out like tentacles, stretching in various new directions and making this a release that really rises above anything remotely similar.
Vocally we have the classic, raw yelling supplemented by several variations of a rich sung baritone. Band founder and vocalist/guitarist Mark Sugar has an ample supply of vocal tools at his disposal with which to direct the mood of this record. (His vast abilities are a huge part of why this record is so special and unique.) The dual guitars also have their turn with the melodies; amidst the grooving, driving, and plowing, these guitars also have some excellent leads and a few surprise acoustic passages.
I could go on and on but to summarize, this is extraordinarily well played metal that should appeal to just about anyone with ears. It's one of those albums that seems straightforward, yet the intricacies have profoundly affected you before you ever realize they're there.
Now, go forth and listen, rock out, and buy: http://trials.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-shadow-of-swords
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 10 |
| Songwriting: | 9 |
| Originality: | - |
| Production: | - |
Comments
Comments:
10
Visited by
229 users
 Posts: 6101 |
Posts: 6101 Quote: Got my interest, must check this out ASAP.
---- ~Zep, Former Database and Forum Moderation~ 
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 Posts: 1689 |
Posts: 1689
I hope this is good, I haven't listened a great Thrash metal album this year.
---- "Les vers savent qu'ils n'ont pas d'ailes, c'est pour cela qu'ils se cachent sous terre"
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Posts: 3649  |
Posts: 3649
Your second paragraph peaked my interest so I'll give it a listen. However, I remain cautious since I rarely find enjoyable new thrash.
---- I hate bonus tracks
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 Posts: 6941 |
Posts: 6941 Written by Zap on 19.05.2013 at 23:22 Neither do I!! Definitely let me know what you think 
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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 Posts: 4774 |
Posts: 4774
I just added this album to my listening list yesterday. what a coincidence (= Seeing that you enjoyed it, I think I would too, just like their last output
---- loves 小巫
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| Posts: 6101 |
Posts: 6101
From what I've been able to check out so far, it reminds me of Virgin Snatch (really wish VS would write a new album!).
---- ~Zep, Former Database and Forum Moderation~
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Posts: 3649 |
Posts: 3649 Written by Susan on 19.05.2013 at 23:36 I'm really glad that when I got to their bandcamp page, the first thing I did was check out the Judas Priest cover. That was pretty awesome. Their own songs are pretty good too, they're definitely not your average run-of-the-mill thrash. But I didn't immediately feel like listening again, though I probably will (definitely that Priest cover.) Thanks for the recommendation anyways 
---- I hate bonus tracks
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| Posts: 1689 |
Posts: 1689
I'm listening it for the third time and I find it quite average, yeah, it's well written, the music isn't bad at all, the vocals are generic but not bad. I think it won't reach many top-tens at the end of this year. Still a bit enjoyable.
---- "Les vers savent qu'ils n'ont pas d'ailes, c'est pour cela qu'ils se cachent sous terre"
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Posts: 11  |
Posts: 11
I hadn't discovered them until Angry Metal Guy named their newest album the top album for the month, and it's even better than this one. This Ruined World reminds me quite a bit of the Keeper of Dreams from back in 2009, Taste Smashed to Pieces. Good thrash metal that that has something intelligent to say.
---- One is only as ignorant as they choose to be -DraconianJays
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