Shadowgarden – Ashen (2010)

Featuring Draconian members Johan Ericson and Andy Hindenäs (Ex-Draconian), Shadowgarden is another Gothic Rock/Metal band to appear on the scene courtesy of Napalm Records. While having heavy competition on their label with Lacrimas Profundere, Shadowgarden’s Gothic Rock/Metal is good enough to make them a name for themselves and become one of the top bands in the scene.

As we could expect, Shadowgarden’s biggest appeal is the solid guitar work. The ten songs in this album feature a plethora of powerful guitar riffs and melodies, something that Johan is an expert in creating, both with Draconian and Doom:VS. “Ashen” quickly made us remember the sound of bands like To/Die/For, Charon, Entwine, etc, where the melancholy behind the music is ever present thanks to the excellent guitar work.

One thing that we keep asking ourselves is: Who is singing? We can’t find anywhere a confirmation that either Johan (he does vocals for Doom:VS), or Andy, or who is singing. The only thing we could find is that Lisa from Draconian provides her beautiful voice to the song “With Love And A Bullet” and in small parts in other songs such as “Sorrow’s Kitchen”. Regardless of the vocalist, we have to say that the vocals are a perfect match for a band of this genre, and while powerful and melancholic enough, they are still a bit shy of being as impressive as Ville Valo’s or as deep as Rob Vitacca (from Lacrimas Profundere).

For the first time we can say that we are more impressed by the music rather than the vocals of a Gothic Rock/Metal band. The foundation provided by Johan and Andy on the guitars is excellent, and it’s greatly improved by the drumming of (according to their MySpace) Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye, Xsavior, Tears of Anger), latter they have been joined by Jerry Torstensson (Draconian) on Drums, but it’s unclear if he did anything for this album.

Songs like “Murky Waters” and “Empty Days” have that hard rocking and ethereal sound that we have grown very fond of with bands of the genre. The countless catchy chorus sections is another element that Shadowgarden got perfectly in “Ashen” and gives them a very good fighting chance against other bands of the genre. There is even a Doom-esque song in “Ashen” called “Slowmotion Apocalypse” where you will be able to identify 100% who is the person behind the guitars due to it’s Draconian-esque / Doom:VS-esque sound, and it even has growls.

If you are looking for another Gothic Rock/Metal band to add to your impressive collection, then you will LOVE Shadowgarden since it’s easily one of the most promising newcomers to the scene. Hurry up and if you are one of the first 200 to order from Napalm Record’s webstore you will get a free poster.

Release: August 27th, 2010

Country: Sweden