Massachusetts' Shadows Fall are becoming one of the more consistent "newer" metal bands out there. 'Threads Of Life' sees the band doing what they do best, playing driving, riff-oriented thrash. The sound of this album is consistent with their previous two releases; the killer breaks and face-ripping guitar harmonies are intact, and the distortion is sharp and steady. This time, however, the band takes it in a slightly more melodic direction in the sense that Brian Fair opts for more clean singing than on past releases. Don’t let that scare you; the music is just as technical and driving.
"Redemption" sets the pace right away with its relentless double-bass and attacking guitars. It is followed by the groove-oriented "Burning The Lives," one of the strongest tracks on the album; just check out the Gothenburg-influenced harmony at 0:44 -- SWEET!!! "Failure Of The Devout" is a frantic hook-fest, and the breakdown halfway through will have you banging your head for sure. "Final Call" is a live favorite with a great shout-along chorus.
Other highlights include "Storm Winds," "Dread Uprising," and "Forevermore" with its mounds of chugging.

TRACK LIST:
1. Redemption
2. Burning The Lives
3. Storm Winds
4. Failure Of The Devout
5. Venomous
6. Another Hero Lost
7. Final Call
8. Dread Uprising
9. The Great Collapse
10. Just Another Nightmare
11. Forevermore

Review by Paul Jackson