SHADE EMPIRE, though their name is very common, is in no way such a common and basic band. For their first album, released by no less than Avantgarde, those young Finns propose us a very symphonic Black Metal, far away from all the average bands. Here, the keyboards (that are well orchestrated by the way and sound very electronic) play the first role and guitars are only in the background, which is a bit the same way of writing as in LIMBONIC ART, though way more modern here.

The melodies will definitely remain in your head and the excellent sound will make you feel like listening to “Sinthetic” again and again and again. It’s quite a happy or almost ‘dancing’ album, which will then displease the ones who love only black and white Black Metal demos, but that will please the others. And as the voice is still quite hateful, no shame on you, SHADE EMPIRE won’t please the Star Academy fans nor will appear on Top Of The Pops… Very nice try for a first album and hopefully the following album will come soon! (Online March 23, 2004)