Album Review: Nameless – Shapeshifter (Self Released)

Rising Brummy nu-metal trailblazers Nameless will release their debut album, ‘Shapeshifter’, on October 18th, 2024. The epitome of DIY spirit, with all aspects of the album crafted internally by the band.

Big sounds, high energy, thick atmosphere, and so much more, all wrapped up in the style of heavy nu-metal. Nameless are here and with expansive cinematic vibes they begin their debut album in epic fashion before unleashing a cacophony of wild noise with Worth of Man. Get those f**king pits going, this is the track that demands energy, and few will be able to deny its lure.

Do you really want to feel those nu-vibes though? Sleazy and old-school tinged? A bit polarising, but far too damn addictive? Showcasing a bit of weirdness? Almost psychedelic in places? The title track and Rosaline have what you desperately crave, and Nameless do an interesting job of changing the album tone up significantly with these two tracks. I can’t promise you’ll love what these tracks offer if you’re a nu-metal hater, but you will find something compelling about them regardless.

The highlight? There are several, but Pacify and Reason is certainly more notable than most. A big track with an impactful subject matter, Nameless were in an imaginative mood when this was written. The early heaviness of the track, heralded by a vicious scream and robust riffing, develops into something more accessibly modern. Throughout, there are layers of melody which give it a more despondent feel, but this aspect never weighs down the intensity.

It is one of the most memorable aspects of the track, making it a tough one to follow, so it’s no surprise that Finger on the Pulse struggles a little. Though, the chaotic instrumental approach is downright fun to listen to.

Finally, it’s Crystalise, and the moving melodic intro is unexpectedly different. Similar to Tempest, there’s a strong cinematic vibe with it, but what’s really exciting, is how this track develops as it goes on. Melody is still at the forefront, giving this track a more alternative feel, especially with the growing grandeur and differing vocal styles. It’s a very big ending and an emphatic exclamation point on a record that is designed to showcase all that Nameless is and all that Nameless can be.

Nameless – Shapeshifter Track Listing:

1. Tempest
2. Worth Of Man
3. Shapeshifter
4. Rosaline
5. Pacify And Reason
6. Finger On the Pulse
7. Crystalise

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