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intothewellsabyss
Nov 3, 20223 min read

Cancer - Shadow Gripped (2018)

FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…


Celebrating the fourth anniversary of its release this month is the album Shadow Gripped!



On November 2, 2018, British Death Metal legends Cancer marked 30 years of existence with its sixth full-length studio album that reunited all three original core members - John Walker (guitar/vocals), Ian Buchanan (bass) and Carl Stokes (drums) - for the first time since 1995.


Background:

On September 12, 2013, it was announced that the original lineup of Cancer was reuniting to promote their first three albums (To the Gory End, Death Shall Rise and The Sins of Mankind) which would be re-released by Cyclone Empire Records later that year. They were also planning to make a number of festival appearances, where they would only play songs from the aforementioned albums.


On September 22, 2015, Cancer revealed on their Facebook page that they had been working on new material. In July 2018, they signed to Peaceville Records who would release their then-new album, tentatively titled Shadow Gripped, late in the year. In August 2018, Shadow Gripped was confirmed as the title of the band's next album.


With interest in the band increasing over the years - including numerous high-profile festival appearances - Shadow Gripped (via Peaceville Records) saw Cancer return to its classic inspirational sound.


The album features ten songs of brutal old-school Death Metal and was recorded at Foel studios with Simon Efemey (Paradise Lost, Napalm Death, Amorphis) handling production and mixing duties alongside the band.


Anders Nyström of Swedish deathlords Bloodbath guests.


Critical Reception:

In a review on November 4, 2018 for distortedsoundmag.com, Dan McHugh wrote;

“2018 has been a fine year for death metal with stunning releases from the likes of Bloodbath, Aborted, Behemoth amongst many others and the returning British Death Metal legends Cancer are throwing their first offering in 13 years into the mix entitled Shadow Gripped which is out now via Peaceville Records.
Down The Steps exudes an ominous presence from the off with doomy, atmospheric vibes and evil guitar tones. The ever present sinister rasps of John Walker swarm around the arrangement like a horde of killer bees. The tempo begins to build as the track progresses as does the demonic groove. Garrotte continues the charge with some sludgy, swift riffing providing nostalgic 80s Death Metal energy that seeps directly into Ballcutter. The intensity and momentum elevates with pulsating drums and barrages of vocal bellows displaying all the hallmarks that brought Cancer such reverence.
Organ Snatcher borders on grindcore levels of ferocity, taking the pace to an entirely different tier. The monstrous riffing hits hard and still maintains elements of melody that actively encourages you to headbang until your skull is severed from your spine. The enticing shredding of The Infocidal gets your blood pumping combining with some frenetic drum beats which transitions into chuggy, stoner metal vibes and some slick lead work. Half Man Half Beast takes an entirely different path with a chilling, dramatic opening before switching into groovy guitar work and intriguing shifts.
Crimes So Vile displays a steady but powerful stride crammed with alluring riffing. Walker‘s growls continue to maintain a commanding presence over the procession. Thou Shalt Kill whips up a frenzy with some rapid shredding and energetic drum blasts before title track Shadow Gripped throws you into the eye of the storm with some mesmerising melodies and eerie lead work. Disposer sustains the wickedness until the very end with some calmer yet still unnerving tones before the track gears up for one final flurry of solid Death Metal as the curtain draws.
In a world becoming increasingly more saturated with stunning Death Metal acts Cancer really needed to burst out of the gate at break neck velocity and Shadow Gripped certainly didn’t disappoint. Considering this is the first release for the British stalwarts in a staggering 13 years there is absolutely no trace of cobwebs and they have returned more energetic and revitalised than ever. Shadow Gripped drags you straight down to hell and sits you at the right hand of the devil as it’s frantic bursts of instrumentation give you a shot of adrenaline as well as the feeling of nostalgia of how Death Metal came to prominence in the first place. For any fan of no frills, cut throat Death Metal this is one certainly not to be missed! - Rating: 9/10

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells



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