Even though the four metallers have different origins (Lithuanian, German, Portuguese and Italian), they were born and raised in Brazil and started activities in 2001 the sunny beach of Santos with the release of an independent EP, followed by a national tour that included opening for bands like Nightwish and Primal Fear.
The hype generated about the band created very high expectations for their official debut full length Theatre of Shadows, released in 2006, an instant national success. They were chosen to support Helloween in their Brazilian tour in 2006. Since then, they have been on the road frequently, having toured Spain twice, USA five times and packed venues in Brazil. Other artists they have performed with are Iron Maiden, Kittie, Divine Heresy, Daath, Temple of Brutality (featuring David Ellefson of Megadeth) and Sepultura.
August 2009 saw the release of Dare to Dream, Shadowside's second album, in Brazil only. The band took a big risk and dared to go for a raw and direct sound. The idea was immediately accepted and embraced by the fans and the album immediately hit position 4 in the Roadie Crew album charts (the most important Brazilian Metal magazine), only below Heaven and Hell, Iron Maiden and Blaze Bayley.
Shadowside is currently being described by the media as “the best band Brazilian band in activity” (Novo Metal website) and as the band that rescued attitude in Rock music (Roadie Crew Magazine). Dare to Dream also received high praise, being picked album of the year by the vast majority of the press in Brazil, top 3 albums by nearly every website and magazine in the country, voted by readers of the Portuguese magazine Horns Up! as the best Brazilian band and by readers of Roadie Crew as best female singer and top 3 overall, top 3 albums, top 3 bands, top 10 guitarists and top 10 live concerts.
Dare to Dream was released worldwide released in June 2010. The rising stars of the Brazilian Metal and Rock music scenes, Shadowside's last album title reflects what they always knew they should do: Dare to Dream. The band said goodbye to 2010 after an almost 2 months long tour with legendary rock band W.A.S.P. through Europe and entered the studio again in early 2011 to record new material, titled Inner Monster Out produced and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (Arch Enemy, Evergrey, Dimmu Borgir, Bring me the Horizon and many more). The raw energy on all the 11 tracks show a band that are not afraid to try and grow even more mature after every release, despite the young average age – late 20's – of the band members.
Believe in Yourself
Shadowside Lyrics
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You keep yourself in fear
All of us
Must do something to be someone here
All our dreams
Coming true if we believe our power
The voices unheard
Go for your dreams with the strength of a warrior
Face all the evil in your way
Fight for you thoughts and don't ever stop
And you will reach the glory
Believe in yourself
Heaven's at your side
Always working for you
So fight for the chance of your life
Imagine we are
Flying above the sea
The birds in the sky
Telling us how it feels to be free
Find out who you are
Staring yourself at the mirror
Tell yourself
it's time to change
And leave all your fears behind you
The lyrics of Shadowside's song Believe In Yourself are a call to action for listeners to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams. The first stanza asks the question of why people hold themselves back from achieving their full potential. The second stanza assures listeners that their dreams can come true if they believe in their own power and speak out. The third stanza encourages listeners to approach their dreams like warriors, confronting and defeating any obstacles in their way. The chorus of the song drives home the message that with belief in oneself and strength from above, anyone can achieve greatness.
The use of metaphors is notable in the song. The birds flying in the sky are used to represent freedom and the ability to soar, while staring at oneself in a mirror is a powerful symbol for self-reflection and the need for personal growth. The message of the song is delivered through a combination of empowering lyrics, heavy guitar riffs, and a melodic chorus that is designed to motivate listeners.
Contributed by Isaiah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.