SHRAPNEL – “Palace For The Insane” Album Review

ALBUM SUMMARY

REVIEW

SHRAPNEL has remained largely under the radar in the decade since their inception. Frankly, I don’t understand it. The material they’ve released is as good as any thrash act in the last 10 years, yet many of their songs and videos have only a few hundred views on YouTube. Their latest release, Palace For The Insane comes in the midst of the greatest two months for thrash metal in years (see the newest releases from TRIVIUM, HAVOK, and TESTAMENT). The album is also the first to showcase SHRAPNEL as a 4-piece lineup and, perhaps, is the change needed to catapult them to relevance in the metal-sphere.

If this is your first exposure to SHRAPNEL, allow me to summarize. Of course, we all love comparing bands to other artists in an effort to accurately describe their sound, so let’s give that a shot. On Palace For The Insane SHRAPNEL have moments that remind me of old school EXODUS. The vocals often remind me of EVILE (see “Salt the Wound” for evidence). A lot of the music gives off a POWER TRIP vibe – especially the punk-influenced crossover track “Turn Off The Lights”. The raspy vocals are perfect for thrash but will likely relegate SHRAPNEL to the traditional thrash fan-base (doubt this bothers the band). Musically, every track is played with finesse and showcases the group’s experience; there are no weaknesses in the musicianship. These sounds combine to one that is uniquely SHRAPNEL, and an album that has some great moments.

The first four tracks are especially strong on Palace For The Insane. Beginning with “Might of Cygnus”, a story of the dangers of exploring the far-reaches of space. As the first notes come through the headphones a clean, classic thrash sound is immediately noticeable – something maintained throughout the album, thanks to solid production. I just wish the bass was mixed into the final product better. Another thing to note as the album progresses – many of the songs have a groove metal element to them, with slower tempos and an emphasis on heavy guitar riffs. This gives the album a more mature, accessible sound; it’s not just focused on playing as fast as possible and allows for more subtleties in the music.

Despite the groove metal element, if you’re in the mood for a super dynamic metal album, you won’t find a ton of that here. Most tracks begin in one gear and remain in that gear. The more dynamic tracks “Begin Again” and “Future Sight” are sprinkled strategically throughout the album and provide just enough diversity to maintain interest. The aforementioned dynamic tracks also feel like SHRAPNEL allowing themselves to get out of their comfort zone. I argue it pays off in both cases. The tracks with more tempo changes and complex sections may require a couple listens before truly appreciating them, but it’s worth it! It also shows SHRAPNEL’s willingness to experiment with their sound; something we should all appreciate.

Now, the middle section of the album does lose some momentum. I found the weakest tracks to be here, which feel a little aimless at times and are mostly forgettable. Despite this lull, the album closes out with three of it’s best tracks: the pure groove metal headbanger “Violent Now, Forever”, the slower and catchier “Future Sight”, and title track “Palace For The Insane”, which is a little Seasons In The Abyss-era SLAYER and a lot thrash.

Overall, Palace For The Insane is the most consistent and mature release for SHRAPNEL to date. An argument could be made that the album has a bloated running time and could have been helped by cutting 2-3 tracks. That said, the standout songs will appeal to many metal fans and makes it an album you can return to again and again. The band deserves to be heard and the fans deserve to have this music in their collections – here’s to Palace For The Insane putting SHRAPNEL on the metal community radar.

FAVORITES

“Salt The Earth“, “Vultures Circle“, “Violent Now, Forever“, “Future Sight“