My Sixth Shadow is an Italian band that was born from the remains of 'The Masquarade'. Love-fading Innocence is the first "real" album from My Sixth Shadow, since the band regards their previous '10 Steps 2 Your Heart' record only as a preview of the real debut album. Although some label My Sixth Shadow as a gothic metal band, I don't find much gothic about them. Judging by the songs, their influences seem to be Depeche Mode, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and HIM to name a few.

The music of My Sixth Shadow is a mix of atmospheric metal, darkwave and modern metal. The lyrical concepts on this album revolve around love. Thus the description on the press sheet is touché: "A Passionate & Romantic Mix of Dark Emotions & Atmospheres". One of the strengths of My Sixth Shadow is their somewhat diverse compositions that contain astute rhythmic ideas and impressive melodies. Also their use of background vocals is successful. These background vocals are mostly performed in the atmospheric vein of Devon Graves (reminding me of Dead Soul Tribe every now and then).

'Love-fading Innocence' was mixed at Subsound Studios by Victor. Mastering, on the other hand, was handled at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila. Both of these productional aspects have been done rather well, since the sounds are to the point. However, the recordings itself contains some impurities. Due to the levels being too high while recording, there are few small clips scattered on the album (by 'small' I mean that the clips are quite inconspicuous). Such clips occur in the piano outro of 'Complete', for example.

My Sixth Shadow is definitely a band worth checking out in case you listen to atmosheric metal. The more I listen to this album, the more enticing and compelling it seems to become. Staying faithful to the lyrical concepts behind this album, the band has even included a cover of U2's 'With or Without You' to the end of the album. I'd be surprised if My Sixth Shadow doesn't bear up in the music industry.

There's an Album Sampler available for download on the My Sixth Shadow website.

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- MAGE (March 6th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Dave: Vocals Victor: Guitars, Backing Vocals La Nuit: Guitars Joseph: Bass Dani: Keyboards Fet: Drums
Producer:	My Sixth Shadow
Mixing by:	Victor
Mastering by:	Jussila, Mika

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Useless 02. Lonely Darkest Days 03. So Far 04. As You Hurt Me 05. Shadows in My Love 06. Forever 07. Broken Mirror 08. Hate Loving Heart 09. Invite the Poison 10. Complete 11. Crushed 12. Shades of Grey 13. With or Without You Length: 58:10