Shadows Fall is an American metal band from , , formed in 1995. Although the band has experienced several line-up changes, for most of its recording career Shadows Fall has been composed of (), (), (), Paul Romanko (), and ().

Shadows Fall have released seven studio albums, two compilation albums, and two DVDs. The band's first album featured on vocals, although he was soon replaced by Fair. Shadows Fall's first two studio albums featured playing drums, but in 2002 Bittner joined the band full-time. In February 2008, the band was a nominee in the category for the song "Redemption" off the album . In late 2011, the band entered the studio to begin recording their latest studio album. The album, , was released on May 15, 2012, and is the first to be produced by since the band's first studio release.

Due to repeated comparisons with bands, Shadows Fall decided to change its style to find its own sound. Inspired by more , and influences, the band recorded its third studio album, titled . Released on September 17, 2002, the album peaked at number 15 on the Top Independent albums chart. Shadows Fall released three music videos to promote the album; "Thoughts Without Words", "Destroyer of Senses", and "The Idiot Box". The Art of Balance featured a of the song "." Andy Hinds of stated the album is "a modern heavy metal album that is both brutal and highly musical, traditional yet forward-thinking", but criticized the placement of "Welcome to the Machine", stating the song "is stylishly well-executed, but seems a tad out of place nonetheless." Shadows Fall supported The Art of Balance by touring on in 2003.