Shogun approaches hardcore from the metal side, as you can tell by the choice of metal band T-Shirts that the fivesome from Reykjavík are wearing for the promo photo: Norma Jean, Devil Wears Prada. These are perfect examples of the direction Shogun is heading. “Charm City” has everything you would connect to a Ferret or Tooth&Nail band: ultra-heavy mosh-breakdowns, 80s metal guitar-licks, sweet emo-vocals and growls from the darkest depths. Actually Shogun has done quite a job here, the songs are diversified and crisp, and the performance and the production are both very professional. The big catch is that Shogun do not really come up with new ideas. That is why “Charm City” is a good summary of the genre in the end – and will therefore definitely find an audience – but lacks it’s own memorable character.

THE VERDICT
Heavy metalcore in the vein of Atreyu, Devil Wears Prada or As I Lay Dying

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