Defences – Shadowlight
Release Date: 8th November 2024
Label: Long Branch Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Alternative Metal, Modern Metal, Metalcore.
FFO: Spiritbox, Bad Omens, Novelists.
Review By: Mark Waight
Shadowlight is the third full length album from UK Alternative Metal band Defences. The band who formed a decade ago in 2014 also have a couple of EPs and multiple well-received singles already to their name. Shadowlight marks Defences debut for Long Branch Records and also highlights a significant step-up in level on the back of a raft of sell-out headline shows and festival appearances where their fanbase has continued to grow exponentially.
Defences are Cherry Duesbury (vocals), William Young (keyboards, vocals), Calum Wilmot (guitar), Owen Hughes-Holland (bass), Kyle Park (drums).
The Curse kicks thing off sweetly with a killer blend of brutal and clean vocals. The futuristic electronic elements and super sharp riffs give this track a real cross genre appeal. A little slower and a little heavier, Gold In The Dark successfully punches its way through by way of some lighter synthesised moments offsetting the overall richer, deeper backdrop.
Continuing with a similar theme, Perish really mashes things up with a banging modern melding of totally opposing forces that just seem to seamlessly pull together and offer up something different from our normal music feed. I’m sure we all know an Ego (Maniac) or two, well here is one who is worth knowing in the form of a modern metal staple that is sure to go down a treat.
Silence & The Sound is another fabulous track which casts a very wide net indeed, this almost guarantees that it will pull in plenty of attention from outside the metal fraternity as well as further boost that core fanbase and support. If you are enjoying Shadowlight so far, then take time to Breathe It In and take stock of the whole listening experience.
Soft and delicate track Inspirit shows a much gentler, calmer and kinder string to Defences bow, making a welcome break to the intensity of all that has gone before. Taking up the baton, The Almost builds up slowly from a kicked back and chilled out opening to a full-on enthralling climax.
On this form, Greatness is absolutely where Defences are headed. They have ticked all the right boxes in this solid album. Closing things out title track Shadowlight leaves us on a high with a perfect send off, tight modern metal at its very best!
Shadowlight is a splendid modern alternative metal offering with just enough added quality to help Defences stand on the shoulders of some of their nearest rivals. If you are a fan of modern or alternative metal, then Shadowlight is more than worthy of checking out and Defences are a must-have addition to your playlist. Recommended.
(4 / 5)
