While several bands sit on the fence of originality and hastily categorize their sound as “heavy with metallic overtones,” most will fail to be recognized as anything but a drop in the cast ocean of sound-alikes. But should Rome, Italy’s My Sixth Shadow be pigeonholed as such?

            It seems that their 2005 Watch Me Fall Records debut Love-fading Innocence has broken this “gothic synth-rock” mold by igniting the sparks of quality and ingenuity upon a glittering hearth where so many before have drifted into the ashes.

            With six talented individuals led by frontman Dave, not enough can be said about the outfit’s colossal improvement in comparison with their previous album, 10 Steps 2 Your Heart.

            The group no longer rely solely upon androgyny as their attraction, but employ glamorous fashion characteristic of the timeless yet distinctly modern European underground scene. This newly acquired style is directly proportional to their musical progression; the effect is more precise and well-defined, but at the same time magnetic and demanding attention.

            Love-fading Innocence commences its journey upon la via del sintetizzatore, or road of the synthesizer, as it were. Semi-distorted vocals, relentless keyboards, and methodical drums courtesy of Dani and Fet, respectively, complement stunningly appropriate breakdowns throughout the album. Each of these innovations become a welcomed component to both the metallic and industrial aspects of this brand of music.

The first few songs, including “Useless” and “So Far,” initiate the album with incredible impact, and set the standard for the remainder of the disc.

Exemplified in the fourth track, “As You Hurt Me,” is the undeniable proof of My Sixth Shadow’s impeccable improvement. Showcasing the group’s true capacity, this track comes alive with bold metal themes as well as one of the most addictive riffs to grace a modern band’s album, graciously featuring resident axe-wielders Victor, La Nuit, and Joseph.

The latter tracks complement the former ones with the greatest of ease; each offers its own particular anecdote or idea representation.

            “Broken Mirror,” the seventh song on the disc, comes across as the most emotionally provoking; the narrator’s heartbreaking quest for liberation from another thoroughly portrays a scene of bittersweet angst.

            The tragic shortcoming during this four-minute escapade is the female vocalist’s presence. Her vocals, if one had no previous idea, sound strangely similar to Dave’s as though they originate from his falsetto. Appearing twice more through the album’s duration, this female’s role should have been altogether omitted.

            Otherwise impressive, the album concludes with a cover of U2’s “With or Without You.” While some may argue that the classics are better left untouched, the members of My Sixth Shadow certainly put forth a valiant effort to make this song theirs.

            The lasting impression left by this record isn’t one to hurriedly diminish; the band’s deliberate creative escalation has sent this Italian sextet rocketing among today’s brightest stars. 9/10