In an era where bands are increasingly defined by their ability to carve a unique sonic identity, As Above, So Below, the debut album from Shadow of the Talisman, is a bold statement. The Flint, Michigan-based quintet has delivered a concept-driven record that not only challenges genre boundaries but also showcases an unrelenting energy and passion for metal’s diverse subgenres. From the raw aggression of thrash to the intricate melodies of progressive rock, the album is a melting pot of influences that still manages to feel fresh and innovative.
Composed of Mike Smith (vocals), Zack Harrison (guitar), Owen Summerland (guitar), Eli Kinney (bass), and Kyle Williams (drums), the band brings together a diverse musical palette, drawing from the past while pushing towards the future. But what truly sets As Above, So Below apart is its immersive storytelling. The album is a journey into a twisted, mythical narrative surrounding The Outlaw and The Dark One, with each track carefully crafted to match the emotional and thematic weight of the story. This isn’t just an album; it’s an experience that spans across different metal styles, offering something for everyone in the metal community.
Opening with a thunderous riff and a strong sense of urgency, “Arise” immediately sets the tone for the album. The track blends epic melodies with pounding rhythms, establishing the high stakes of the story. Smith’s vocals here are particularly striking, shifting between powerful cleans and aggressive, raw screams. The song’s dual guitar harmonies, crafted by Harrison and Summerland, set the stage for the complex and intricate song structures that dominate the rest of the album. “Arise” feels like the rallying cry that kicks off the journey of The Outlaw, a defiant call to action.
A standout track, “What Is Real?” combines a head-banging groove with a sense of existential questioning that perfectly aligns with the themes of the album. The song’s sludgy, mid-tempo riffs are complemented by intricate lead guitar lines, showcasing the band’s ability to marry heaviness with melody. There’s a palpable tension here, as if the character is beginning to question their own reality, an emotion that Smith’s delivery amplifies with both grit and vulnerability. The track’s heavy breakdowns and soaring choruses make it a potent reflection of the album’s thematic exploration.
“Fiery Descent” brings a rush of energy and aggression, with Williams’ drumming driving the pace forward in relentless fashion. This is a thrash-inspired assault on the senses, with fast-paced rhythms and sharp, cutting guitar work that leave little room to breathe. It’s a chaotic track, and that’s precisely the point. The sense of urgency and fiery fury on display mirrors the character’s plunge into madness and chaos. The lightning-fast guitar solo is a particular highlight, proving that Shadow of the Talisman isn’t afraid to shred when the moment calls for it.
With its dark and brooding opening, “Dead with the Devil” takes a more atmospheric turn by creating an eerie sense of foreboding before launching into full-throttle intensity. The track strikes a balance between melodic phrasing and heavy, crushing riffs, reflecting the internal struggle of the character as they confront their demons – both literal and metaphorical. The song’s dynamic shifts, from haunting clean passages to guttural, aggressive sections, help to tell the story with musical precision. This is one of the tracks where the band’s ability to blend atmospheric elements with heavy metal flourishes truly shines.
As the cornerstone track of the album, “The Outlaw” is a powerful, multi-faceted composition that introduces the listener to the heart of the album’s narrative. It’s equal parts aggressive and melodic, with Harrison and Summerland exchanging fiery riffs that are both technically intricate and emotionally charged. Smith’s vocal performance here is commanding, seamlessly moving between clean melodies and guttural snarls. The song’s structure evolves from slower, deliberate sections to faster, more chaotic bursts that mirrors the outlaw’s journey from defiance to desperation. It’s an anthem that encapsulates both the power and the tragedy of the album’s protagonist.
A track marked by a heavy, doom-laden atmosphere, “Cursed” weaves a narrative of inevitable downfall. The song’s somber intro gives way to a relentless, chugging riff, while the rhythm section locks in with a groove that is as addictive as it is punishing. The blend of melody and heaviness makes “Cursed” a standout in the album’s midsection, as it underscores the sense of doom that looms over the entire storyline. The cathartic bridge and the breakdown that follows are some of the album’s most memorable moments, displaying the band’s flair for dynamic songwriting.
“As Above,” is a towering and expansive piece that embraces the prog-metal side of the band’s sound. At over eight minutes long, the song takes its time to unfold, exploring a variety of musical textures and rhythms. The way the song transitions between different sections, starting with intricate, clean guitar work, then escalating into heavier, more complex passages, shows the band’s ability to maintain tension and interest over longer forms. This track feels like a journey in itself, with every twist and turn adding to the narrative’s thematic complexity.
Closing the album with a sweeping sense of finality, “So Below” is an epic, nearly 10-minute track that captures everything Shadow of the Talisman is striving to do. It’s a multifaceted composition that combines melody, atmosphere, and sheer aggression in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply cathartic. The song’s grandiose structure, which alternates between haunting, atmospheric breaks and explosive, riff-driven sections, makes it the perfect conclusion to the album. It’s a stunning example of the band’s technical prowess and their ability to tell a story through music.
Shadow of the Talisman set a new benchmark for concept albums with As Above, So Below. It’s a sonic journey through dark and mythic storytelling and genre-defying musicianship. Set for release on February 21, 2025, this debut album unites the chaos and complexity of alternative metal with a cinematic narrative that grips from start to finish.
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