Shear

Shear is a Finnish metal group from Helsinki, active since 2008. It is a six-piece, female-fronted act associated with symphonic metal and power metal. The band is based around vocal melodies set against a heavy, technical instrumental sound.

Formation and members

The current lineup is finalised in 2008, although several members have played together for longer. Guitarists Mikael Grönroos and Lauri Koskenniemi, together with keyboard player Lari Sorvo, have worked together since 2001. Bass player Eerik Purdon joins in 2004, and drummer Juhana Karlsson in 2007. Vocalist Alexa Leroux completes the lineup when she joins in 2008.

The group later changes bass player: Eerik Purdon steps down and Silver Ots takes over the role. Ots is also known for work with Amoral, Dead Shape Figure and The Nibiruan.

Releases and label work

Shear’s first official release is the four-track EP In Solitude. It is recorded and mixed at Arcada Studios in 2009, with guitarist Mikael Grönroos handling the recording and mixing. The EP is mastered at Chartmakers Studios. The band signs to Lifeforce Records at the end of 2011 and releases its debut album Breaking The Stillness in 2012.

Style

Shear’s music combines catchy, melodic vocal lines with a heavy and technical instrumental sound. The group is described as accessible to general listeners while also offering enough complexity to interest more experienced metal fans.