Sjakal - Sleeping Beast
Metal, Progressive, Melodic
Drammen, Norway
Overall Impression: Nordic Metal band Sjakal has just released their new song Sleeping Beast. Without sacrificing mayhem or earth-shattering riffs, Sjakal gives Sleeping Beast a melodic quality that keeps the track elevated and soaring. The blistering lead guitar work rips a hole through the horizon while the rhythm guitar bites with a Heavy Metal edge. There is no shortage of animalistic energy, but in no way is the track unrefined. The guitar solos and drum work all display a great deal of variation and virtuosity that is hard to come by. The bridge, in particular, shows a compositional vision that adds new layers of intrigue and mood to a tune that would satisfy even without the extras. With the release of Sleeping Beast, Sjakal gives fans of Metal exactly what they want and leaves them screaming for more.
Strongest Point(s): The instrumental work in Sleeping Beast is absolutely killer. But, the vocals and mix deserve their own recognition. The vocals hold nothing back in their primal delivery or attitude, but they still manage to be understood. This approach is much more effective in bringing in new fans from other styles of Metal than purely guttural screams or grunts. The mix is also well done. Each instrument and the vocals find their own space and are easily defined in the sound.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Metal, Prog, and Nordic Metal will definitely dig Sleeping Beast by Sjakal.
Artist target suggestions: Children of Bodom, Lamb of God, Jag Panzer, Nevermore, Nile, Mastadon, Metallica, Opeth, Otep, Gojira, In Flames, Slayer, Megadeth, Hatebreed, Arch Enemy, Devil Driver, Amon Amarth, Enslaved, Finntroll, Iron Maiden
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About the Reviewer:
Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans across Classical, Pop, and Experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.