The Sacramento-based quintet known as Graveshadow – renowned for their masterful mixing of symphonic/gothic metal with elements of doom, thrash, and epic progressive – unleash the music video for “Soldier of 34”, the new single from their upcoming album called, “The Uncertain Hour”. This will be the band’s third album that will debut July 15th, 2022.
“’Solider of 34’ was the first song completed for the record, and the first that Aaron [Robitsch – guitars] and I truly collaborated on,” explains guitarist William Lloyd Walker. “We wanted to create something that we felt was reflective of the band’s journey up until this point. The mournful melodies cast on top of these raw, aggressive rhythms we felt was the perfect backdrop for a story centered around losing those closest to you. We couldn’t be prouder of the way it turned out, and we feel it really represents all facets of what we want to accomplish this record. This is just the beginning; we can’t wait for the record to come out and share all that we’ve been working on with fans new and old alike.”
The symphonic and fantasy-like start of this track is enthralling, bringing elements of symphonic and gothic metal to the forefront, letting them wash over us like refreshing rain. Of course, such gentle touches cannot last, and we feel the heavier side come in with digging riffs and shattering drums. Vocals are commanding, with a beautiful blend of harsh and clean synchronized in perfection.
The dazzling highs are matched by shadowy lows that sweep listeners off their feet, taking them on a journey of fast-paced inner battles that have risen to the surface. The speed at which this track unleashes wave after wave of stunning vocals and musical prowess is astonishing, leaving many bewildered before they realize that this track settles in at just over 6-minutes in length.
The accompanying music video is a beast – featuring splits of the band head-banging and unleashing their musical fury as we venture down our path of self-discovery. Raxx truly performs to extravagant levels, with the intensity of her vocals in full view for the world to see. We can see the struggle of loss, and the confusion that paves the twisted trail before us.
We follow the steps of a young woman, reliving her hopes and dreams as memories flood her vision, matched by the lyrics “I was your protector,” that ring both true and deeply relatable. This suffering is amplified by the band’s musical conquering, with guitars fully engulfing us in a staggering display of skill and execution.
This is only a taste of what’s to come from Graveshadow, and the result is bound to be one that is born both epic and beautiful. You can preorder your copy of “The Uncertain Hour” via their bandcamp.
Metal Goddesses 