16th December 2025

Review: “Through the Hourglass” by Shadowborn

“This EP represents everything we’ve been working toward. It’s where speed, melody, and narrative collide. We’re excited for fans to finally experience the full vision behind Shadowborn” ~ Shadowborn

Formed in 2024 by a group of like minded seasoned veteran musicians known for their work in Imperatore, Ethereal Realm and Vanta to name but a few, Shadowborn offer a debut EP titled “Through the Hourglass” for your listening pleasure. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Dylan Whiteley at YT Audio Productions in Perth Western Australia, the four track affair promises Speed Metal precision, Thrash fueled aggression and vivid storytelling as the bands first full artistic statement. That might seem like a lot from bassist Daniel Marijanovic, drummer Ferdinand Handojo, guitarist Nathaniel Jones and vocalist Josh Glendenning but they certainly have the experience to deliver…

The sound of a ticking clock makes way for some Traditional Heavy Metal leads with just a hint of Iron Maiden influence as title track “Through the Hourglass” begins, Glendenning’s clean complimenting the very wordy lyrical narrative nicely. Rich, warm melodies that reach but don’t quite touch what you’d expect from Power Metal are in abundance, Jones face melting extended solo wrapped in galloping drums a jaw dropping moment. There are also a couple of tapping sections during this anthemic piece that is fueled by nostalgia for the sounds of the late 70’s and early 80’s, the bands sonic identity one of which Ronnie James Dio himself would be proud. Dispensing with the rapid fire melodic lead guitars of the opening track and instead taking influence from early Thrash, the spoken word introduction to “Curse of Baba Yaga” feels feels like its born from a VHS nasty having been adorned by some haunting synths. Handojo brings double kicks a plenty and Jones another scorching solo, the storytelling aspect both impressive and captivating as the track unfurls its wings, mixing raspy vocal moments with those cleans.

How about a Progressive Metal bass line straight out of the Dream Theater playbook? That’s what we get as “Flame Tornado” surfaces however, the guitars feel heavier hitting on this one, the band choosing to turn up the gain and crank out something a bit different. There is an eerie quality to the lead parts which help push the envelope of the lyrical narrative and what you’re left with is a solid track of head bang appeal even if the high pitched scream from Glendenning in the final third is a little eye watering. “Gift of the Gods” completes the collection with a blitz of sweeping lead guitars that scorch like a flamethrower, Jones showing off his skills while somehow managing to keep the virtuoso nature of his performance from boiling over. Around him the others ensure that the song is very much an anthem of epic proportions even before the sublime solo, the big cymbal crashes and driving bass line adding fuel to the fire. All in all a fantastic debut of well crafted material that may well sweep you off your feet, especially if you love a little nostalgia [7.5/10]

Track Listing