originally written by Erik Thomas
You’d think Century Media would have promoted the debut from supergroup Insidious Disease a little more. Especially considering the hype behind bands like Torture Division, Bloodbath and Hail of Bullets that also feature great death metal vocalists with an all-star cast. However, instead of Martin Van Drunen, we get Marc Grewe from the almost-legendary German Death clones Morgoth, perhaps seeking to redeem himself for Feel Sorry for the Fanatic (that band’s eventual undoing).
Joining Grewe is a collection of pretty heavy hitters from all walks of extreme metal: guitarists Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir) and Jalder (Old Man’s Child), bassist Shane Embury (Napalm Death) and drummer Tony Laureano (Nile, Angelcorpse and Malevolent Creation, just to name a few). Then why is it that this album doesn’t conjure the same levels of awesomeness as Hail of Bullets?
Maybe it’s just because both Hail of Bullets albums are awesome? Maybe the chemistry for Insidious Disease isn’t quite there yet? Maybe expectations are a little high? Maybe because most of the songs simply sound like old Morgoth with a touch of more modern brutality? Either way, while it’s a very solid album, there’s something about Shadowcast that keeps it as a little bit of a letdown and not the truly great supergroup effort you’d expect.
The highlights of the material are Grewe’s distinct roar and Laureano’s tight drumming, making for some impressive moments here and there, but as we all know, Silenoz isn’t the most creative or technical guitarist and the riffs generally fit his mold. Sure there’s some enjoyable blasting and shreddage scattered around tracks like opener “Nuclear Salvation”, “Abortion Stew” and “The Desire”, but for the most part, the material plays like a mix of Floridian and European death metal from the 90s, with an overall sound that comes across as Morgoth, Grave, and Malevolent Creation — chunky, controlled and fiercely groove-laden (“Boundless”, “Rituals of Bloodshed”, “Facemask”, “Value in Flesh”, “Abandoned”). It’s not the really classic stuff, but following in line with the second wave of competent clones from the mid-90s.
Not that that’s a bad thing, especially in today’s modern metal scene where the pendulum is swinging between deathcore and a sudden explosion of Incantation clones; something more authentically classic is certainly refreshing. I only wish it had been a little better with more standout ‘wow’ riffs and moments. As it stands, I won’t be rushing out to buy this, but if I see it in a used bin somewhere, I’ll definitely grab it, as its worth a few listens and it’s still worth owning to hear Grewe back in the fold.
