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Prog-metal is one of the most interesting and sophisticated genres that emerged in the '90s. Since Dream Theater released their incomparable "Images And Words" in 1992, many have tried to emulate those sounds, some exactly as they were, others with a more personal and refined style. And masterpieces began to fall from the sky like snowflakes.
In 1995, Shadow Gallery released their second album, "Carved In Stone". After a debut album that proved truly convincing despite production limitations and the lack of a real drummer (replaced by a drum machine), it was time to release a true masterpiece. The response was immediate: "Carved In Stone". A perfect work from every perspective and moreover supported by a production that matched its quality. Genuine progressive metal gems marked by a truly well-exposed technique that alternate with more melodic pieces that seem expressly made to open the heart, lifting it from its station and making it fly among emotions. In any case, Mike Baker's voice plays an important role as the intermediary between the band, which wants to communicate something, and the fans ready to receive the message; a delicate, intense voice, more rock-like when needed, but it reaches the heart carried directly by the wind.
Looking at the tracklist, we see many songs are interspersed with interludes (rightfully not indicated on the back cover) which, whether functional or not, seem to almost have the task of relaxing the listener, preparing them for the next track. The album opens with a technically splendid song titled "Cliffhanger", which starts off quite gently, with a beautiful piano followed by a few minutes where guitars and keyboards match up and create the preparatory atmosphere for what's coming shortly after—the instrumental part where the musicians can freely unleash their skills. "Crystalline Dream" is another noteworthy prog-metal piece, opened by keyboards and characterized by very direct guitar riffs, supported by a light but impeccable keyboard background, with a catchy yet well-crafted chorus, and a good instrumental section. With "Don't Ever Cry, Just Remember", we dive into the more introspective side of the album, facing an intense and melancholic power ballad. In "Warcry", the emphasis is again on the more melodic side and the piano, but it also features livelier moments, and the central part with a central solo is proof of that. And what to say about "Celtic Princess"? A short piece, just 2 minutes, with delicate guitar and piano passages truly elegant, almost with a jazz-baroque touch, making it a truly unique track. With "Deeper Than Life", we return to something distinctly heavier: sharp and direct guitar riffs and a more aggressive voice from Mike Baker, all supported by a keyboard play that perfectly marries with everything, and the keyboards shine even in a virtuoso phase in the instrumental section. But the strongest emotions come shortly after when the delicate and touching notes of "Alaska" start to flow, one of the most touching ballads ever written by a prog-metal band, and I’m not kidding; delicate acoustic and electric guitars very much in harmony with the piano and keyboards, to which Mike’s subtle and velvety voice is added; if you shed a tear, don't worry, it's normal! And to close, let's relish the remarkable suite "Ghostship": 21 minutes of power, technique, dark sounds, bleak atmospheres, and touches of genius: among its notable moments are the beautiful guitar arpeggio of "Dead Calm", the technical finesse of "Storm", and the incredible virtuosic piano interlude of "Enchantment". All very beautiful indeed. There is also a hidden track with a very symphonic flavor, which begins after a few minutes of silence and after hearing someone knocking on a door.
Probably SG’s masterpiece. The band has yet to make a misstep and has produced practically only masterpieces, but the harmony of the compositions will never be equaled to this point, even if approached. I apologize if I had somewhat debatably given the title of best album to "Legacy" (still excellent) in the past, it was a matter of learning to truly appreciate the essence of the band, and I believe it is found at its peak right in this "Carved In Stone".
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 CliffHanger (08:41)
I remember there were
Fights and screaming in the streets that night
I had to run from the
Insinuations all about my life
It didn't matter I was
Armed and ready I was on the run
Up in the mountains I've got
Food and shelter I'm a loaded gun
Steal away into the hills
My world is turning
Secrecy becomes my mask
My cloak and dagger
I'm not so sure that I enjoy this journey
They've got their guns to my head
I turn myself into the black of darkness
They chase their shadows instead
That night my contact
Took me to the place where the preacher lived
He gave me serum
And he blessed my mission helped me get my grip
Back to the mountains for the
Codes and weapons and my boarder pass
10,000 foot the rocks are
Sheets of ice shards of broken glass
All alone I cannot rest
Hear them behind me
The hunt is on the chase is near
But I start sliding
I always thought this was a crystal palace
Could be my tomb instead
Three fingers cling to an icy cliff
Looks like some change ahead
07 Warcry (05:59)
Tonight I stood upon the crest and witnessed our decay
The land that was our fathers lay in ruins at our feet
And I dare not look out or into unseeing eyes
Of mankind's blind ambitions and desires
The wisdom of humanity is wasted on you all
You pushed us into corners of a tortured paradise
Your selfish pillaging is a treason to this earth
And in the end you are betrayed by your own deeds
Now every time I turn around it's just too late
To give back our mother earth a little dignity
I wish you'd set her free and give her love back to me
Cause our spirits are not weak like you
We're on our own
Pushed from our home
Our voices joining
Sacreligious and deceitful are your truces
Tattered paper poison letters bloody skies
I do my best to keep it all to myself
But now I fight for my name
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By emanuele
What this album ultimately leaves you with is a deep sense of personal fulfillment, a feeling that very few artists today are capable of giving you.
If erring is human, then Shadow Gallery are not, absolutely.
