Review: “0” by Shadecrown

Adorned by stunning artwork from their keyboard player Saku “Sacce” Tammelin (Cryal), the fourth studio album from Finnish Melodic Death Doom six piece Shadecrown is one that fits perfectly into the category and cliché that is long awaited and highly anticipated. It comes four years after 2021’s well received “Solitarian” and finds the band embracing new elements with guest cellist Vilma Peltokangas and vocalist Sheila Bernal being the first pair to ever grace the Viitasaari based outfits cryptic musings. Between albums there have been no line up changes so Tammelin is once more joined by guitarist Tomi Tikka (Status Abnormis, ex-Mindration), vocalist Jari “Jarska” Hokka (Cryal), drummer Kalle Varonen (ex-Monarcy), bassist and clean vocalist Janne Salmelin (ex-Scars of Solitude) and guitarist Joonas Vesamäki in creating melancholia in a way that only Scandinavians can do once more.

Classic Melodic Death Metal riffs introduce “The Art of Grieving” with a sense of forlorn epic majesty, the aching clean vocal harmonies of Sheila Bernal piercing the veil like chinks of light through dark clouds over head. Then come the caustic unclean vocals an suddenly this opening affair feels like a glorious throwback to 2003 and the era of American Metalcore that was influenced by the Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal scene. Arguably good proportion of the difference between Melodic Death Metal and that era of Metalcore was the breakdowns and here there are none. Instead the band treat us to a spellbinding piece of lead guitar work into a solo elevates the finale in style. A powerful statement piece that not only nails the style of the record to the ships mast but also showcases sublime musicianship, this one sets the standard. Lush melodic lead guitars bleed out of every orifice as “In a State of Agony” plays out, the driving clanky bass part from Salmelin that leads into a whispered vocal moment mid cut a moment of magic. What the band have found is a good balance between the melodic and the heavy that creates a nice contrast while not sounding like they’ve forcing it, the screams that bring this one to its bitter conclusion seriously impressive. For first couple of tracks the keyboards take a back seat but on “Fragile Chapters” they add a depth and warmth to the melodic bridge, the blood pumping during the weighty staccato riff breaks that follow.

An elegant piano introduction gives “Gone” a real sense of something epic before the powerful guitars come into play and Hokka’s fierce vocals serve as punishment, his words a confession of guilt. A mid cut voice mail taking the blame is left, adding to the dark nature of this beast, the melancholic lead guitars providing a real richness to the sound. If anything despite the nature of the lyrical narrative, the music speaks to the soul offering nourishment before a bloodcurdling roar from Hokka introduces “Zero” like a call from the black depths of the abyss. The cut is of course the lyrical title track and has some weighty, crushing riffs at its beating black heart, synths adding an almost ethereal touch as Hokka screams cathartically. His desperate cries are as powerful as the guitar work here, the bleak nature of the lyrics one that will resonate with anyone who has suffered from anxiety or depression. A little respite comes with in the form of an acoustic introduction to  “Under the Waves“, the second cut to find Sheila Bernal providing some aching clean vocals. They intertwine with those of bassist Salmelin beautifully before a return to the harsh vocals for a verse that feels like a lament. The surprise is the blistering solo, a stunning moment that is very much the jewel in the crown of this tune.

Sounding like it has been inspired by bands like Soilwork and Inflames “Inadequate” is soaked in glorious leads in a punchy first half that provides some of the heaviest moments on the record. Fading to black the second half introduces whispers in the darkness, the melodic musing passage a moment of tranquillity that shattered like mirror as the band build back to the heavy conclusion. What’s interesting about this one is that middle part actually makes it more of a tune that grows on you with repeated listens despite the urgency of the first half and grand stand finish. When keyboards mimic saxophones “Tear-blind” begins, the part before the vocals start sounding as if it was taken straight from the score of an 80’s John Carpenter classic. Hokka’s vocals are so savage however that they wouldn’t have had the mass appeal to put the song in a movie on the big screen, his sorrow turning to rage with an introspective quality. Cello from Vilma Peltokangas and beautiful vocals from Sheila Bernal don’t take away any of the pain but make it easier to bear, the bloodlust for self immolation there for all to witness. An album of this stature commands a grand finale and for that we are treated to “Repentance“, a cut which blends the acoustic with the electric in the opening passage. Majestic lead guitars pave the way for galloping drums and heavy mosh parts before gang chants and chugs bring it home in old school fashion. All in all a powerful record that demands your attention, this one has plenty of longevity in nuance [8/10]

Track Listing

1. The Art of Grieving (ft. Sheila Bernal)
2. In a State of Agony
3. Fragile Chapters
4. Gone
5. Zero
6. Under the Waves (ft. Sheila Bernal)
7. Inadequate
8. Tear-blind (ft. Sheila Bernal and Vilma Peltokangas)
9. Repentance

“0” by Shadecrown is out 25th July 2025 via Inverse Records and is available over at bandcamp