| Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING Ethereal Blessing Madame Satan Disconnection System As Fast As The Others Shadow Work The Hanging Garden (The Cure cover) Rain Mother Is The Word For God WARREL DANE BAND: Warrel Dane - Vocals Johnny Moraes - Guitars Thiago Oliveira - Guitars Fabio Carito - Bass Marcus Dotta - Drums |  |
Release Date: October 26, 2018 / Label: Century Media Records / Website: www.warreldane.net
The metal world received a real shock last December when it was announced that Warrel Dane passed away from a heart attack at the age of 56. It was undoubtedly a huge loss for the metal community. Like with many of the greats that have passed away, like Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy and Freddie Mercury, Warrel left a void that just can't be filled. It's unbelievable the amount of lives he touched with his music, whether it's with Sanctuary, Nevermore or his solo material. Warrel was not only one of the greatest and most unique voices ever, but he was one of the most talented lyricists and poets. Simultaneously, he was a troubled soul, as it's no secret that he had his demons he was battling for most of his life. According to his bandmate, guitarist Thiago Oliviera, he was in pain during the recording of his second solo album Shadow Work, and you can hear it in the songs.
During the last few years before his passing, you can see that he was looking pretty frail and it was a worrisome sight for many people. He had been working on Shadow Work for a couple of years in between his touring commitments with Sanctuary and his solo band, and his passing happened in the middle of the album's recording process. The album was intended to be longer than it actually is, with a time limit of 80 minutes initially planned, but given the devastating turn of events, Warrel never finished all of the vocals that were intended for the album, and as a result, only 40 minutes were able to be released. However, me and all the fans worldwide are really glad that his band and Century Media Records were able to gather all the finished pieces and put together 8 full songs for a posthumous release so that we could hear Warrel's final recordings. The result is one amazing album.
With the use of 7-string guitars, and the chunky, low-tuned riffs, you can clearly hear the Nevermore vibes, especially on "Disconnection System", "As Fast As The Others", "Madame Satan" and "Shadow Work". Another stand out moment on the album is that they took The Cure's "The Hanging Garden" and went completely off the original arrangement, and made it so much heavier. It sounds like a completely different song. Warrel's vocals in the chorus made the hairs on my neck stand up as they sound so dark and haunting, with the guitar harmonies underneath tugging at your heartstrings. The opener "Ethereal Blessing" is such a strong moment, even though it's just over a minute long. With his dark vocals over top a Middle Eastern flavoured melody, it feels like an intro to an epic movie. I get chills listening to this track.
The epic and dynamic closer "Mother Is The Word For God" is an emotional roller coaster, because it starts of slow and melancholic, then builds into a heavy assault of awesome riffs and rampaging drums. I dare everyone to try and keep a dry eye during the last minute and a half of the song when the intro returns, and especially in the last 30 seconds as the cello and violin close out this amazing piece of music. When you hear it, you'll see why that will be impossible. I know, because it was happening to me. It's the sense of knowing that Warrel has reached the end of his journey, and it creates a vision of him slowly waving farewell to everyone as he fades from existence. Powerful.
It's hard to find a flaw on this record, but I wouldn't quite say that this is Warrel's best work ever. It's close though. However, Shadow Work is an amazing and beautiful swan song of a fallen metal brother and a true original. Everyone who was touched by Warrel's music and spirit over the years will undoubtedly be headbanging and shedding tears while listening to Shadow Work. As cliche as the saying is, it's the truth. He may not be here with us anymore, but he will live forever in our hearts and his music. Warrel, thank you for all the amazing music you have blessed the world with. R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.
Highs: "Ethereal Blessing", "As Fast As The Others", "The Hanging Garden", "Mother Is The Word For God"
Lows: Hardly any flaws.
Final Rating: 9/10
During the last few years before his passing, you can see that he was looking pretty frail and it was a worrisome sight for many people. He had been working on Shadow Work for a couple of years in between his touring commitments with Sanctuary and his solo band, and his passing happened in the middle of the album's recording process. The album was intended to be longer than it actually is, with a time limit of 80 minutes initially planned, but given the devastating turn of events, Warrel never finished all of the vocals that were intended for the album, and as a result, only 40 minutes were able to be released. However, me and all the fans worldwide are really glad that his band and Century Media Records were able to gather all the finished pieces and put together 8 full songs for a posthumous release so that we could hear Warrel's final recordings. The result is one amazing album.
With the use of 7-string guitars, and the chunky, low-tuned riffs, you can clearly hear the Nevermore vibes, especially on "Disconnection System", "As Fast As The Others", "Madame Satan" and "Shadow Work". Another stand out moment on the album is that they took The Cure's "The Hanging Garden" and went completely off the original arrangement, and made it so much heavier. It sounds like a completely different song. Warrel's vocals in the chorus made the hairs on my neck stand up as they sound so dark and haunting, with the guitar harmonies underneath tugging at your heartstrings. The opener "Ethereal Blessing" is such a strong moment, even though it's just over a minute long. With his dark vocals over top a Middle Eastern flavoured melody, it feels like an intro to an epic movie. I get chills listening to this track.
The epic and dynamic closer "Mother Is The Word For God" is an emotional roller coaster, because it starts of slow and melancholic, then builds into a heavy assault of awesome riffs and rampaging drums. I dare everyone to try and keep a dry eye during the last minute and a half of the song when the intro returns, and especially in the last 30 seconds as the cello and violin close out this amazing piece of music. When you hear it, you'll see why that will be impossible. I know, because it was happening to me. It's the sense of knowing that Warrel has reached the end of his journey, and it creates a vision of him slowly waving farewell to everyone as he fades from existence. Powerful.
It's hard to find a flaw on this record, but I wouldn't quite say that this is Warrel's best work ever. It's close though. However, Shadow Work is an amazing and beautiful swan song of a fallen metal brother and a true original. Everyone who was touched by Warrel's music and spirit over the years will undoubtedly be headbanging and shedding tears while listening to Shadow Work. As cliche as the saying is, it's the truth. He may not be here with us anymore, but he will live forever in our hearts and his music. Warrel, thank you for all the amazing music you have blessed the world with. R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.
Highs: "Ethereal Blessing", "As Fast As The Others", "The Hanging Garden", "Mother Is The Word For God"
Lows: Hardly any flaws.
Final Rating: 9/10
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