SHADOWS FALL - THE ART OF BALANCE 12" Vinyl LP Album

- White Coloured Vinyl Record

  Due to repeated comparisons with Gothenburg melodic death metal bands, Shadows Fall decided to change its style to find its own sound. Inspired by more thrash, hard rock and power ballad influences, the band recorded its third studio album, titled The Art of Balance. Released on 17 September 2002

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Shadows Fall's "The Art of Balance": A Pivotal Moment in Metalcore
Album Description:

Released in 2002, Shadows Fall's "The Art of Balance" marked a turning point for the band and a significant moment in the metalcore scene.

Historical Context

The early 2000s saw metalcore gain momentum, blending elements of hardcore punk's aggression with the technicality of heavy metal. Shadows Fall, already established in the scene, aimed to push the boundaries further with "The Art of Balance." The album arrived at a time when metalcore was beginning to break into the mainstream, with bands like Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God gaining recognition.

Musical Exploration

"The Art of Balance" showcased Shadows Fall's evolving sound. While rooted in metalcore, the album incorporated thrash, melodic death metal, and even hints of classic rock. Songs like "Thoughts Without Words" and "Destroyer of Senses" delivered crushing riffs and aggressive vocals, while "The Idiot Box" and "Stepping Outside the Circle" explored more melodic territory. The album's diversity highlighted Shadows Fall's willingness to experiment and expand their musical palette.

Controversies

The album generated minor controversy due to its inclusion of a cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." Some purists criticized the decision, while others praised the band's ability to reimagine the classic track with their own metalcore flair.

Production Team and Studio

Zeuss, a renowned metal producer known for his work with Hatebreed and Agnostic Front, helmed the production of "The Art of Balance." The album was recorded at Planet Z Studios, a haven for heavy music, where the band captured a powerful and polished sound.

Music Genre:

Power Thrash Metal 

Album Production information:

 The album: "SHADOWS FALL The Art of Balance" was produced by: Paul Busch, Joel Andrew Johnson

This album was recorded at: Logic Studios, Minneapolis, September-October 2000

Record Label Information:

Ferret / Lifeforce 1209 

Album Packaging:

This album "SHADOWS FALL The Art of Balance" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos as well as the custom insert with additional information on the band

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

2000 Made in Germany 
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SHADOWS FALL The Art of Balance
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Brian Fair - vocals
  • Jonathan Donais - lead guitar
  • Matthew Bachand - rhythm guitar
  • Paul Romanko - bass
  • Jason Bittner - drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "SHADOWS FALL The Art of Balance"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SHADOWS FALL The Art of Balance" is:

  1. Idle Hands 3:34
  2. Thoughts Without Words 4:31
  3. Destroyer of Senses 2:54
  4. Casting Shade 2:09
  5. Stepping Outside the Circle 5:14
  6. The Art of Balance 4:46
  7. Mystery of One Spirit 5:10
  8. The Idiot Box 4:30
  9. Prelude to Disaster 1:48
  10. A Fire in Babylon 7:30
  11. Welcome to the Machine (Waters, Pink Floyd cover)

 

Front Cover Photo Of SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album back cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Photo Side One Vinyl LP SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album vinyl lp record

Photo Side Two Vinyl LP SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album

 

SHADOWS FALL - The Art Of Balance 12" White Coloured Vinyl LP Album vinyl lp record