Some heavy mosh riffing, cool double bass drumming and a nice growl start "Idle Hands" off. This is the perfect opening track and the most pummeling song on the disc. The next two tracks, "Thoughts Without Words" and "Destroyer of Senses" may not be as balls out as some of their previous works but that doesnt mean they suck. These medium paced songs chug along without sounding slow or soft. "Stepping Outside the Circle" is one of the best songs the band has ever written. THIS is what im talking about when I say that Shadows Fall has gone for a Thrash Metal sound. Its totally old school and brings to mind Testament and Exodus (if you dont know who they are, go to the links page and learn...NOW!).
On their last album, Shadows Fall would be sounding like an evil version of In Flames one minute and then seemingly transform into some celtic/folk band the next. On this record there are entire tracks dedicated to their "softer side." These interludes are not only beautiful, but showcase the vast range and musicianship of the band. That of course leads us to the solos. THEY RULE. Jonathan Donais throws down a great lead on almost every track, especially on "The Mystery of One Spirit."
Things wrap up with a unexpected cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." Not being a huge Pink Floyd fan, I like this version better. All in all this a great record and while it may not be as extreme as Of One Blood its still totally metal and a great step foward for the band. Some standout tracks are:
Stepping Outside the Circle
Mystery of One Spirit
The Idiot Box
A Fire In Babylon