Inner Monster Out 2011

"Apparently having changed their musical direction from a more traditional power metal sound to heavier and groovier sound, Brazilian metallers Shadowside deliver something in between groove metal, modern metal and power metal on their third album "Inner Monster Out".

Most tracks draw on heavy and groovy riffage, combining them with compelling vocal melodies and, at times, elements from modern pop music, Shadowside have certainly created music which should have broad appeal inside and outside of the metal community. Granted, personally, I find the more poppy elements a bit of a turn-off, but the heavy grooves and Dani Nolden's powerful voice more than make up for that (just check out a track like 'In the Name of Love' or a track like 'Inner Monster Out' or 'I'm Your Mind'). While the overall sound is more akin to modern melodic metal, the band retain the epic choruses associated with power metal.

The musicianship is top notch, and the production is clean and crisp with a very modern edge. As mentioned, Singer Dani Nolden has a very powerful voice, and I should also mention that the guitar solos are pretty impressive and technically advanced.

Shadowside have been accused of sounding like something that would come out of the stereo of a teenage wannabe metalhead. Well, I'm in my thirties, I don't have a stereo (iPod's my choice), and I am definitely not wannabe, and still I think this album is pretty damn good.

(review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"