Description

Darkside – Shadowfields – Compact Disc

Darkside’s Shadowfields, released in 1997, is a full-length album that blends elements of melodic death metal with gothic, doom, and industrial influences. Produced by Austrian band Darkside and released under Pavement Records, Shadowfields showcases an atmospheric approach to extreme metal, with a distinct combination of heavy riffs, layered synthesizers, and dark, introspective themes. The album is marked by the presence of complex synth arrangements, melodic undercurrents, and occasionally discordant layers that combine to create a unique listening experience.

Shadowfields attempts a multi-genre fusion, featuring a mix of melodic death metal, gothic atmosphere, and doom-laden sections, with occasional nods to industrial metal. The album’s structure leans heavily on contrasting elements: dark, growling vocals, typically found in death metal, juxtaposed with elaborate keyboard layers and ambient soundscapes. The album’s production emphasizes synthesizers and vocals, with the guitars pushed back in the mix, which gives the music a slightly eerie, atmospheric quality. However, the production choice has divided listeners, with some critics noting that it can make the guitars feel disconnected from the rest of the instrumentation.

Notable Tracks

‘Of Vision and Mental Derangement’ – One of the album’s more cohesive tracks, this song highlights Darkside’s attempt to balance heavy, melodic riffs with dark synths, setting a tone for the album’s exploration of psychological themes.

‘Shades of Pictures in Grey’ – This track leans into gothic elements, with a somber atmosphere and sweeping synth lines that evoke a sense of desolation, reflecting the band’s darker thematic undertones.

‘The Blood on My Hands’ – Known for its extended, introspective arrangement, this song incorporates doom influences and features a slower tempo that emphasizes the band’s heavy, brooding style.

‘Requiem’ – The album’s closing track, and one of the longest at over 11 minutes, offers a culmination of the album’s stylistic elements, mixing doom, gothic, and symphonic arrangements that reflect the album’s melancholy yet dramatic tone.

Shadowfields received mixed reviews from critics and listeners. While some appreciated Darkside’s ambition and atmospheric approach, others found the fusion of genres lacking coherence, with criticisms often directed at the production and songwriting. The disjointed feel between guitar and synth layers was noted, with some critics describing the album as overly theatrical or ‘circus-like’ in moments. This sense of inconsistency has led to a divided reception, as some listeners found the experimental qualities intriguing, while others felt the album failed to execute its ambitious ideas effectively​

Despite the polarized reception, Shadowfields remains an interesting artifact within the extreme metal landscape, notable for its attempt to combine death metal with gothic and industrial sounds at a time when such hybrids were relatively rare. While it may not have achieved significant acclaim, Shadowfields continues to attract curiosity from fans of experimental metal, offering a glimpse into the genre-blending tendencies of late-90s extreme music. For listeners interested in gothic or atmospheric metal, Shadowfields can be a unique, if challenging, listen that captures the dark and exploratory spirit of its era.

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic

Pavement Music 1999

Song List
Intro
Of Vision And Mental Derangement
In Nomine
Shades Of Pictures In Grey
In Your Eyes
Noohoorsh
Shadowfields
Blood On My Hands, The
Requiem