Album Review: Defences – Shadowlight (Long Branch Records)

Defences, the alternative metal band, are back with their brand-new album, ‘Shadowlight’, due for release on November 8th, 2024, via Long Branch Records.

One listen to Shadowlight and it becomes abundantly clear that Defences are thinking a bit differently on this album. Not when it comes to huge alternative anthems of course, that’s what they do after all, but rather the layers that make this more than just another catchy modern metal album. Notably, a cinematic edge that gives a lot of the tracks a more powerful vibe and showcase a more ambitious approach from Defences.

This, and more, is present on opener The Curse and the following Gold in the Dark. Where powerful melodies stand out, but never overpower the heavy rock and metal focus that is still paramount to the Defences sound. Sure, both these tracks tick all the boxes for clean and modern metalcore, but you’d be being purposefully ignorant if you failed to recognise the touches that makes Defences a more appealing listen.

Every so often though, they hit a creative high which applies to Perish. A heavy creative high, sounding quite beastly at times, while having their trademark anthemic ways throughout. It’s accessible heaviness, with some interesting touches of flair here and there to add a more unique flavour to things. This is where Defences ambitions are fully realised and it’s hard to deny the pull of a track like this.

While Ego(Maniac) doesn’t quite hit the same high, the power of the chorus and those vocals hit hard. Also, the piano outro is delightful. Then there’s Silence & the Sound and Breathe It In, a pair of tracks with the prominent cinematic edge. Yet, the former is unremarkable outside of some nice melody, and the latter is a crunchy heavy beast. Both are layered, as is the case with everything on this album, but not everything works as well here. Yet, it’s also fair to say that Defences set such a high bar for themselves already that they were always going to struggle to reach it.

It’s not all downhill though and the latter part of the record offers some things to get excited about. Firstly, there’s the deeply melodic Inspirit, which happily, doesn’t overstay its welcome. Secondly, there’s The Almost, which hits all the right modern metalcore notes for melodic stature, heavy metal groove, and alternative energy. Thirdly, there’s Greatness, a solid anthem that doesn’t push their capabilities too much.

Each finds Defences oozing passion and showcasing their ability to deliver something creative. Leading to an ending that is delightfully dazzling and as likely as everything else on this album to turn even more heads in the direction of Defences. A ton of people are going to eat this up, and rightfully so, as Defences’ music is so digestible for a wide array of audiences.

Defences – Shadowlight Track Listing:

1. The Curse
2. Gold In the Dark
3. Perish
4. Ego(Maniac)
5. Silence & The Sound
6. Breathe It In
7. Inspirit
8. The Almost
9. Greatness
10. Shadowlight

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