I've spoken about Shiva's sole album before, as I found it to be one of the NWOBHM's more intriguing releases. A combination of heavy metal and Rush-like textures and more complex songwriting. The aptly named Continuance was ultimately meant to be the second album. The label (Heavy Metal Records) were struggling financially - as were the band - so things weren't going too well to begin with. After recording the first 5 centerpiece tracks found here, they excitedly played them for the label, only to be rejected. Not "heavy" enough they claimed. Ha! There's a twist from the usual not "commercial" enough. In hearing this, the label wasn't wrong, if heaviness was to be the deciding factor. If anything Shiva had honed their songwriting skills and offers up more ear-friendly tracks. But the key ingredients of Firedance remain, that of the complex breaks and extended guitar soloing. I've read some counterpoint reviews stating that Shiva really weren't influenced by Rush. Listen to the 9+ minute 'Eden (Silent Running)' and get back to me on that. These guys have Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures written all over them, minus the synthesizers of course. Filling out the disc are two more demo tracks featuring a different drummer, and 5 other demos from various parts of their career - all from the earlier days. I found most of these just as good as their "two" albums proper. So if you're a fan of Firedance, you'll want this too. If unfamiliar with Shiva, then start with Firedance and go from there.
Ownership: CD: 2004 Majestic Rock (Europe). Recent online acquisition. Jewel case with booklet containing lyrics and a full history (in microscopic print crammed onto 2 pages. With a normal font it would have been 8 pages I think!).
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