Caliban

LifeForce Records has re-released Caliban’s third length album Shadow Hearts. This version of the band’s third full length album has two bonus tracks, one from a limited European pressing, and one from their 1999 demo. The five-piece German band (vocals are in English) are currently signed to Roadrunner records, and are touring Europe. They will be touring the U.S. in April and May.

Caliban is given 3.5 out of 5 for the music on the 41 minute Shadow Hearts. The music is an interesting blend of American metalcore and European death metal. For the most part the death metal aspect is predominant, it can be heard in the riffs and in that the songs average about four minutes in length. The ‘core’ influence however, is unmistakably there. Breakdowns and guitar riffing where low-end strums go to high-end squeaks/squeals are extensively used.

The songs are all heavy, mean, and energetic. Metalcore breakdowns are followed or preceded by death and thrash riffing while screams, growls, and the occasional clean singing take place. Shadow Hearts is just slightly too long for comfort, and would have been better off without the additional two tracks which are among the weakest on the album.

For considerations specific to the band, Caliban receives 1 out of 2. While metal is definitely more popular in Europe than North America, the ‘core’ genres are for the most part an American phenomenon. Caliban has, along with a few others, proven the potential that Europe has for producing ‘core’ bands. For this they are praised a mark.

The reason Caliban loses a mark in this section is because the re-release version of Shadow Hearts was completely unnecessary. This was likely LifeForce Records’ attempt to boost sales. The re-release would make more sense with a more substantial addition to the album, a limited edition DVD for example, or a CD-ROM with studio/live footage. As it stands there is no advantage to purchasing the re-release instead of, or along with, the original.

The sound quality of this album gets 1 out of 2. For the most part the sound quality on Shadow Hearts is superb. Tones and timbres are mixed and leveled appropriately for the music, and every instrument/voice can be clearly heard. There are however a couple of problems…. The overall sound however is a little to mid-ranged/nasal. While the low end does not loose much from this, the high end is lacking in strength. High guitar notes simply blend in to the mix, instead of packing the punch that they should.

The major problem with the sound quality is the very final track, Boredo(o)m from Caliban’s 1999 demo. From the moment the track starts it is quite apparent that it is of lesser sound quality than the rest of the album. Despite being only one track out of 13, it sticks out in a very noticeable and unpleasant way. With such a drastic difference in sound quality this song should not have been added to the album.

Caliban receives 1 out of 1 for the physical attributes of Shadow Hearts. The CD cover and insert are simple and to the point. Lyrics, some spooky pictures/graphics, and a listing of the band members at the time the recording was made are on the insert. The style of music played by the band is easily discernible by glancing through the insert.

With a final rating of 6.5 out of 10, Shadow Hearts is a difficult album to decide whether or not to buy. If you have the original there is no need for this re-release, unless you are a huge fan and must have the extra tracks. If you are looking for an overall good sounding album the original version is probably a better buy. It will not drag on as this one does, just to end with a song of significantly lesser sound quality. Aside from the downfalls of Shadow Hearts, Caliban’s songs are well written, creative, and fun to listen to. Fans of Death Metal and/or Metalcore will enjoy them.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Dark Shadows
02. Forsaken Horizon
03. Storm Of Rage
04. Vicious Circle
05. Bad Dream
06. The Seventh Soul
07. Scream From The Abyss
08. Detect Your Liberty
09. Fire Is My Witness
10. Between The Worlds
11. A Piece Of My Life

Run Time: 41:25