Brazil and hard rock/heavy metal have gone hand in hand for decades by this point (spawning Sepultura, hosting massive stadium shows by Queen and Kiss, etc.). And the most promising Brazilian-metal connection to come along in some time is Shadowside, which manage to combine metal and melody in an irresistible sonic cocktail – as evidenced by their latest album, ‘Inner Monster Out’ (produced by Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with Arch Enemy, Evergrey, and Dimmu Borgir).
Hailing from the city of Santos, Shadowside is comprised of signer Dani Nolden, guitarist Raphael Mattos, bassist Fabio Carito, and drummer Fabio Buitividas. Originally formed in 2001, the group has issued two earlier full lengths – 2007’s ‘Theatre of Shadows’ and 2009’s ‘Dare to Dream.’ But it’s ‘Inner Monster Out’ that is causing the biggest stir worldwide, as it spent 6 weeks in the top 15 CMJ’s Loud Rock Charts, and 2 weeks in the top 10 (highest position being #9). Additionally, the quartet has made inroads to the Japanese market, scoring the #26 best selling album according to BURRN! Magazine (followed by bands like Nightwish, Evanescence, Lamb of God and Shinedown).
