 |
| #FOR FANS OF: Melo Death/Thrash |
The Italian band Nefastis, founded in 2008, has not been especially active, given that their debut release did not emerge until 2014. That album was self-released, so the attention around it, was quite limited. Fortunately for the band, things have evolved positively since then, as their sophomore album, entitled 'Shadows at the Light of Dawn,' has been released by the label Rockshots Records, which always helps to increase the exposure of the music.
Personally, I hadn’t listened to the band before, so this new opus took me by surprise. Nefastis plays a mixture of death/thrash metal generously enriched with great melodies, courtesy of an extensive use of orchestrations composed by several members and the guest musicians who take part in this album. I was expecting some good melodic lines by the guitars, which the listener will obviously find, but the epic touch that the aforementioned arrangements add to the compositions gives the songs a whole new level of majesty. Unsurprisingly, the production here is excellent, clean, and powerful, which is essential to create expertly crafted songs. The compositions are remarkably powerful and dynamic; the band changes the pace and intensity effortlessly, creating transitions in speediness and heaviness that sound smooth and natural. The proper album opener "Shadow Spell" is a fine example of all the mentioned characteristics. A great piano with a vivid symphonic feeling is the perfect partner for Simone’s powerful raspy vocals and the exquisite guitar lines created by him and Andrea. The ups and downs are constant in the composition, which will delight the listener for sure. "Seduced by the Beauty of the Darkness" is an even more intense and heavier track, with faster sections and a more prominent role by the guitars, which again sound faultless. If you like great riffing work with plenty of melody and fierceness, this album has lots of them to offer you. Just check "Tears of the Past," and I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. "Stardust" is another highlight of the album with its remarkably intense changes of pace and dynamism, combined with yet another exquisite dose of melodic and symphonic arrangements that make it another standout track.
At the end, ‘Shadows at the Light of Dawn’ is precisely what this project needed to create in this sophomore album. It has all the necessary elements to gain some attention in the scene. The compositions are well-crafted with a great display of tasty melodies, intensity and variety, essential elements for creating memorable musical pieces. For those who complain about the lack of heaviness in many symphonic/melodic infused albums, Nefastis has created an alternative that might satisfy you. (Alain González Artola)
(Rockshots Records - 2026)
Score: 82