Shed the Skin The Carnage Cast Shadows CD Review

By now, those who are fans of underground extreme metal are (or should be) familiar with Shed the Skin.  They come from the hotbed of Cleveland, Ohio, so let’s get to their fifth album, The Carnage Cast Shadows. The band (comprised of members of incantation, Ringworm, Vanik and FaithXtractor) seem to have one foot planted in the old school, while the other is firmly in the modern side of death metal. What I mean is, you get moments of d-beat, mid tempo dirge, clean ethereal guitars, doom passages and barn burning speed. These elements all work together seamlessly, making for a well rounded listen and never sound disjointed or out of place. These guys write good, interesting and dynamic songs. 

My absolute favorite track has to be “Henge Tomb”, which has a down tuned serpentine bendy thrash verse section that is an instant metal frown/head bob moment. Ash Thomas (yeah, from the Vladimirs!) varies his vocal approach to include earth shaking lows and near black metal highs. There are grooves,  thrashy moments and guitar solos and harmonies a plenty too, which further lends itself to making this 11 tracker all the more enjoyable for an old head such as myself. They can sure as hell drop in some brutal breakdowns here and there too, which is another facet I'm glad they include. 

With lyrical themes hovering around all things demonic, sacrificial /burial rites, nightmarish creatures and BAAAAD omens along with a sound that recalls (to my ears at least) Morbid Angel, Grave, even older Tiamat and Samael getting into a fight with a thrash, hardcore and power metal band, there isn't much I don't love about this album. Essential listening.

Standout tracks - Henge Tomb, Formorian Hordes, Stolen From the Storm God

-TB