BRAZILIAN METALLISTS SHADOWSIDE SET TO TAKE THE USA BY STORM
Brazil and hard rock/heavy metal have gone hand in hand for decades by this point (spawning Sepultura, hosting massive stadium shows by Queen and Kiss, etc.). And the most promising Brazilian-metal connection to come along in some time is Shadowside, which manage to combine metal and melody in an irresistible sonic cocktail – as evidenced by their latest album, ‘Inner Monster Out’ (produced by Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with Arch Enemy, Evergrey, and Dimmu Borgir).
Hailing from the city of Santos, Shadowside is comprised of signer Dani Nolden, guitarist Raphael Mattos, bassist Fabio Carito, and drummer Fabio Buitividas. Originally formed in 2001, the group has issued two earlier full lengths – 2007’s ‘Theatre of Shadows’ and 2009’s ‘Dare to Dream.’ But it’s ‘Inner Monster Out’ that is causing the biggest stir worldwide, as it spent 6 weeks in the top 15 CMJ’s Loud Rock Charts, and 2 weeks in the top 10 (highest position being #9). Additionally, the quartet has made inroads to the Japanese market, scoring the #26 best selling album according to BURRN! Magazine (followed by bands like Nightwish, Evanescence, Lamb of God and Shinedown).
At the Independent Music Awards, Shadowside were crowned winners of the Best Metal/Hardcore album category – beating out Asking Alexandria by popular voting. In the contest, the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Keith Richard, and Tori Amos served as judges (past Independent Music Awards contestants included such renowned metal acts as Lacuna Coil, Vixen, All that Remains, Diablo Swing Orchestra).
And Shadowside continue to increase their rabid fan base in their homeland, where their shows are routinely sold out and the venues packed. Photo proof can be seen in the photo section of the band’s Facebook page, in the photo album “Live All Over the World,” and a special gallery dedicated to the Sao Paulo show with over 200 pix. And in November/December, the group will play additional shows in their homeland.
And the reviews have been very favorable, including About.com saying “Shadowside may not be a known quantity in North America (yet), but their brand of bombastic and catchy metal makes them worth checking out,” and MetalUnderground.com praising “The band has donned the spikes, suited up the leather and let the ‘Inner Monster Out’ with a fresh aggression, marking Shadowside’s place in shaky ground of modern power metal.”
Source: www.shadowside.ws/index.html
