Shattered Thrones: Part 1 The Red Pages

Shattered Thrones: Part 1 The Red Pages doesn’t just sound like a release from War Shepherd, it feels like a deliberate opening statement. From the outset, there’s a sense that this project was designed with intention, not only in its heaviness but in how it carries itself. This isn’t metal built purely for impact, it’s metal built to set a scene. The release opens with an immediate weight, drawing the listener into a bleak and fractured world where tension hangs thick in the air and nothing feels accidental.

The guitars play a central role in shaping that atmosphere. Riffs are layered with purpose, moving between crushing force and more measured, ominous passages that allow the music to breathe without losing intensity. There’s a persistent sense of forward motion throughout the release, not rushed but relentless. Even when the tempo pulls back, the pressure remains, as if the songs are constantly coiling toward the next surge rather than resetting themselves.

Rhythmically, War Shepherd show a strong understanding of restraint. The drums don’t exist just to batter the listener, they guide the flow of the release, accentuating shifts in mood and momentum. The bass work adds depth rather than simply doubling the guitars, giving the low end a presence that reinforces the darker tones of the project. Together, the rhythm section anchors everything, ensuring the release never loses its footing even when the arrangements grow dense.

The vocal performance sits at an interesting crossroads between raw aggression and controlled delivery. There’s emotion here, but it’s disciplined, channeled through the narrative rather than spilling over uncontrollably. This approach works in the band’s favour, allowing the vocals to feel like part of the story being told rather than a separate focal point. At times, the voice feels almost like another instrument, adding texture and urgency without breaking the immersion.

What becomes increasingly apparent as the release unfolds is just how cohesive it is. The Red Pages carries a consistent tonal identity from start to finish, creating the impression of a single, unfolding chapter rather than a set of disconnected moments. This cohesion makes the release feel immersive, encouraging the listener to take it in as a whole rather than dipping in and out. It’s the kind of project that rewards full listens, where repeated spins reveal subtle transitions and structural decisions that might be missed at first.

There’s also a notable sense of patience in how the release is structured. War Shepherd don’t rush to make every moment the heaviest or most dramatic. Instead, they allow tension to build naturally, trusting that atmosphere and pacing can be just as powerful as sheer force. This restraint adds to the impact when the heavier sections do land, making them feel earned rather than predictable.

As a first part, Shattered Thrones: Part 1 The Red Pages succeeds in laying groundwork without overexplaining itself. It introduces a world, hints at broader themes of power, conflict, and downfall, and then steps back, leaving space for future chapters to expand on those ideas. There’s confidence in that approach, the confidence of a band that knows it doesn’t need to reveal everything at once to make an impression.

Releasing on 10 January, this project positions War Shepherd as a band with a clear vision and the discipline to execute it. It’s heavy without being one dimensional, atmospheric without drifting into emptiness, and structured without feeling rigid. More than anything, it feels purposeful. If The Red Pages is the beginning of a larger arc, then it’s a strong and compelling opening, one that invites attention now while promising even more depth as the story continues.