This album hits harder than most. A record not safe or pulled back, but one that sends shock-waves. And Australian band Saviour does not shy away from letting their guard down and let their music do the talking. Their music has so much sensibility, so much passion and compassion, and its message is rooted. Shine & Fade is their collection of songs abundant in emotion, sentimentality, and burning desire, pushing the band to the front. The record conjures up moments of reflection for this act, and it is a compendium startling in its progression.

The record becomes a dark monster at times, in pursuit of change and clarity, charging forward for a revolution. It doesn’t wither at any moment, as the momentum keeps it interesting, and the instrumentals are technical. For it being a metal album, it shows moments where emotion becomes centre stage, and becomes a pivotal part. Every strand, every instance, is sentimental, and supercharged.

Shine & Fade breaks norms, it alerts the inner rage. Screams do come, the vocals do become noisy, but they’re fuelled by passion and tension. The songs don’t fall into a drone or start to flake into obscurity, but they fall into a sequence of intent. And Saviour is a band naturally evolving at every turn, and their music is developing.

8 songs make up the record. Younger begins the album with shuddering notes. The build up is unnerving, and the percussion drops in. The screams increase the tension, and the clean vocals decrease the rush. Tidal Wave opens slowly, and the technical riffs ingrain the song deeply. The growls are harsh here. Cynical is a progressive track, building up pressure. The screams are there again, adding sturdiness. That chorus is blissful.

Saviour is a band that has blessed us with loud songs which have backstories. Their powerful music should be applauded far and wide.

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