By: Anand Harsh

I never question our pals at ShadowTrix Music, anymore. Not that I was really taking the west coast bass outlet to task, or anything, but generally when their big comps come out, or their high-profile releases from rising stars are on the way, they let me take my pick of the premiere.

Not last year. When Shadows Volume 2 dropped with something like 50 hot tracks, they shoved a track into my outstretched hand and said “this one.” Well... as much as I hate to admit when other people are right, they were dead on the money. Digital Ethos' track “Paroxysm” was a bona fide hit, and we all know how high Mr. Quigley is riding in the scene right now.

Speaking of Charlie, the latest breakouts from the STM compilation are always working in the deep and dirty dub range. There are elements of classic dubstep in here, but a lot of experimental flavor and flair goes into “Alternate Reality” from western Canadians GDubz and Strange Thing. These two are really making quick work to make a name for themselves in the scene.

On January 31, when Shadows Volume 3 drops, you'll be able to hear all the tracks from this annual compilation that we look forward to with much anticipation. It's going to be absolutely stacked with talent, and I can guarantee that you'll be seeing some of those names at The Untz Festival before long.