Review RATTLESNAKES “Shadows in the Night”

Rattlesnakes are a relatively new name on the heavy metal scene. Formed in 2024, the band launched their first self-released EP in 2025, which caught the attention of Listenable Records. With a record deal in place, the British newcomers are now ready to unleash their debut album.

Shadows in the Night delivers 39 minutes of hard-hitting heavy metal. The title track kicks off this ten-song ride and gives us a clear idea of what to expect. It’s a fast, no-frills opener driven by muscular riffs and the commanding voice of Rowena Neale. Her gritty, powerful delivery is a real asset, and she handles the high-register screams with ease. In fact, the opener leans more toward speed metal than traditional heavy metal, although both styles are part of the band’s DNA.

The spirit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the sound of the ’80s run through tracks like “Forever.” The album also makes room for some mid-tempo material, with the galloping “The Other Side of Midnight” being a case in point. Most of the time, though, Rattlesnakes keep their foot on the gas. “Lost Nor Found” is a prime example, racing ahead at full throttle. Neale’s screams stand out once again, and it takes me back quite a few years to think of another young singer bringing this much power to the mic.

“Spellbound” shifts into a more measured gear, throwing in a few neat twists to keep things interesting. The chorus is another highlight, built for a full-on sing-along.

The atmospheric interlude “Dreamland” provides a welcome change of pace while “Where the River Meets the Sea” also opens on a quieter note. It’s a good showcase for the band’s range, with Neale proving she can handle more restrained passages just as well. The track gradually builds into a pounding metal anthem, and the payoff is worth the wait. There are even shades of Dio in the way the song unfolds, adding another dimension to the album.

“For Even Gods Can Die” brings things to a close with one more shot of hard-hitting metal. It’s a fitting finale to a debut that deserves the attention of anyone with a soft spot for heavy metal.

With Shadows in the Night, Rattlesnakes make a confident entrance. The album runs on genuine enthusiasm for the genre, while vocalist Rowena Neale gives the band a distinctive edge with her powerful, versatile voice. A punchy production brings the riffs, vocals, and melodies to the forefront without losing the album’s raw energy.

This is heavy metal rooted in the classic tradition, played with conviction and a clear sense of purpose. Rattlesnakes have made a strong start, and it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here.