Artist description The simple definition of the Shogun sounds is heavy and technical, but we strive to develop a newer sound for hardcore that goes beyond the simple breakdowns and linear song structure. To us, a complex song is more fun and interesting to play than a simpler one. If we're not challenged, then we get bored. In addition to complex song writing, we strive to have an impressive live show as well.

Music Style mathcore, metal, hardcore

Musical Influences Cave In, Botch, Dillenger Escape Plan, Fall Silent

Artist History We are a five peice band from the Boulder/Denver, Colorado area. We came together in March of 1998. Since then we have been lucky enough to play around the nation with many of the biggest names in hardcore.

Group Members Warren-vocals Jesse-guitar Dave-guitar Tim-bass Brian-drums

Instruments 2 guitars, bass, drums, vocals

Albums What Sin Has Twisted (CDEP - 2002), Iconoclast (CD - 2001), Enter The Equation (7

Press Reviews From www.digitalmetal.com What Sin Has Twisted is the final release by this Colorado metal/hardcore hybrid. I was a big fan of Shogun's last release, Iconoclast, which combined black metal speed and melodies with the chaotic arrangements and heavy off-time bludgeoning math of modern hardcore. But when I threw this EP in the ol' changer, it took me a good five spins to even get a grasp on this sucka. Shogun again delivers a pell mell cut-and-paste-o-rama stew of many things metal and hardcore (without being cookie cutter "metalcore", thank you), but the technicality and winding song structures of this release left me confused and stunned. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the "we just wrote a bunch of riffs and put them together in the order we came up with them" school of songwriting. These wacky tunes are actually meticulously assembled equations for annihilation, carefully crafted to deliver as much punch, power, melody, and mosh as possible into four action-packed songs. The first track starts off unassumingly enough with a gentle dual guitar melody over smooth, prodding drums. Then the inevitable kick into distortion, which quickly morphs from rhythm to rhythm without sounding forced. Finally the band locks into a time signature, the vocals enter, and the whole thing comes down like a sledgehammer. Then the black metal riffs show up, but these sections of What Sin Has Twisted owe more to Iron Madien and even flat out classical guitar then any scraggly bunch of dead-looking Venom wannabes. All this happens barely a minute into the first track, and I could spend a whole day on a blow-by-blow of the whole song and still not do it justice. Then follows the masterful "On the Stake", which careens back and forth with Shogun's staple blend of elements, evolving with every listen to reveal the band's amazing tenacity and concentration. The performances are top notch, especially in the drum department, which neatly balances techy fills and more accessible (I use the term as lightly as possible) backbeats. Definitely a marked improvement over "Iconoclast", which felt a bit wobbly in spots. The lyrics stick mostly with angry rejections of Christianity, not super insightful, but they work OK with Shogun's righteous rage. This EP is amazing, flat out, but a word of warning - don't even bother with this disk unless you're going to invest some serious time (headphones recommended) with this thing. One of the major differences between Shogun and most other "chaotic" bands is that under close scrutiny, the chaos is a cover for lack of substance, while Shogun rewards careful listening with unorthodox but affecting songcraft and catchy strains hidden under the rubble of their post-post hardcore. And furthermore, "The Clap" features a guitar tapping solo that'd make Yngwie backing Meatloaf sound subtle. Definitely a worthy exit for a truly unique band who, if history has any justice, will not be forgotten. [Jay Paiva]

Location Boulder, Colorado - USA

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