Their EP had a lot of metalcore influences, but on In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns they’ve traded the ‘core for synths. It’s symphonic black metal in the vein of groups like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth. It sounds very European, but the band hails from the good old U.S.A.
The songs on the CD are filled with classically influenced symphonic and orchestral parts, but there’s also plenty of brutality. Cutting guitars and frantic blast beats give way to melodic hooks and majestic atmospheres. The music is painstakingly constructed to blend bombastic synths with more extreme elements.
Sorceron is Abigail Williams’ vocalist/guitarist, and he delivers black metal style rasps that are dark and dynamic. Keyboardist Ashley Ellyllon takes the album to a higher level with her outstanding piano, synths and orchestration. The production by James Murphy (Death, Testament) is also top-notch.
Abigail Williams doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the genre of symphonic black metal, but the execution on In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns makes them a band to watch.
(released October 28, 2008 on Candlelight Records)
