CoC : Fallen Empire - Shadows : Review

Fallen Empire - _Shadows_
(Fallen Empire / Dark Embrace, 1999)
by: Adrian Bromley (7 out of 10)

Few bands out there nowadays are sure to hit a solid stride within their music with ease. It takes time for a band to gel into a certain mould or style, something that gets enhanced as the experience seeps into their craft. Fallen Empire is a true, sturdy example of that. A good band from all corners, it's just the band really lacks fire where it's needed most. With a certainly good black/speed/atmospheric sound coating the six songs found on this release, I found some of the material lacking some substance, something to push them into the spotlight rather than sounding derivative like many bands coming into the scene. I like their gritty, banshee-like vocals a lot and feel that with enough hard work, and maybe a bit more money to invest into production, the darkened ways of Fallen Empire will no doubt send out a fierce wail of metal into our paths. As for now, take it with a cautious listen, as they do have certain good ideas inserted within what they do.

Contact: B.J. Cook, P.O. Box 409, Ward, AR 72176-0409, USA

(article published 12/10/1999)