Like many other bands, Los Angeles-based Art of Shock were hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020. Having just released their second full-length, Dark Angeles, the band was forced to cancel pretty much everything including all touring plans but instead of letting frustration get the better of them, they set to work writing material for what would become Shine Black Light (Century Media Records).
Technical and wildly eclectic thrash metal with a melodic core, the record kicks off with the disorienting blast of “2020V”. Pulsing with a hyperactivity of almost ADHD proportions, the song switches between mid-paced groove and blast beats, high-pitched clean vocals and death metal roars, slow sections and full-on speed, and melodic hooks and all-out brutality.
Playing it slightly straighter “Devoid” contains intricate drum patterns from sticksman Adrian Geezar and some equally impressive vocal dexterity from his brother, Art, the song bursting with melody, militaristic groove, and all-out skullfucking thrashery. However, it’s with “Death Stays Silent” where the record really settles into itself with some fast-paced Trivium meets Megadeth-style guitar work from six-string psycho, Nick Ertel, and some more insanely fast drumming.
Taking a surprising but enjoyable left turn, the brooding “Drag Me To Hell” features piano accompaniment and has more in common with acts like Black Veil Brides than brutal speed metal. Getting aggressive again, “Be None the Wiser” is a full-throttle thrash attack boasting blast beats, savage riffing, and vocals with more gravel than a mile-deep open-pit mine.
“You Don’t Know Me” finds Geezar mixing vocal styles again, from almost childlike whimpers to harsh screaming and clean singing to full-throated roars as the song continually changes mood and tempo. Mid-paced melodic banger “Shine Black Light” is probably as straightforward as the album gets while “The Spark” is possibly the fastest, Geezar’s high-pitched clean tones reminiscent of Joey Belladonna of Anthrax in places.
Closer, “The Defeated” sees the Trivium and BVB comparisons return with a powerful and memorable slab of moody melancholia featuring more excellent hooks and room for bass player Brice Snyder to shine.
Although clearly technically adept with exceptionally fine performances all around, there is a tendency for some songs on Shine… to contain too many ideas. Some combine seamlessly and merge organically into each other, while at other times things can seem a little forced. Still, this is just a minor niggle on an otherwise exemplary record as, with the aid of a muscular production job, Shine Black Light sees a talented band solidifying their sound even further while also being unafraid to explore different areas.
Buy the album here:
8 / 10
GARY ALCOCK