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Dear readers, if to err is human, then the very American Shadow Gallery are not. Their long history begins in the '80s when a promising vocalist named Mike Baker, along with Carl-Cadden James, formed a progressive band called Sorcerer; after long years in 1991, the group, after finally changing their name to Shadow Gallery, released their self-titled debut album, a small gem of progressive rock/metal, rich in references to the past and new elements that distinguished the band and made them stand out from the others.
The band's second creation, 'Carved In Stone' (the album which we will discuss in the review), saw the light only after three years from the previous one, during which the band wholeheartedly focused on composing the second masterpiece, an album rich in progressive, classical nuances and parts closer to metal of Maiden derivation, all surrounded by a massive dose of personality.
The album is introduced by majestic and atmospheric piano notes, followed by a classical guitar arpeggio: we are faced with the splendid Cliffhanger, a powerful track lasting over 8 minutes, during which controlled parts alternate with faster and heavier ones. The Queen-style choirs are beautiful, further enriching a track already well above the general average of progressive songs.
However, the entire spirit of the band is concentrated in the next song, Crystalline Dream: the title alone manages to explain the beauty and passion of the piece, in which verses heavily influenced by progressive metal of Dream Theater matrix are contrasted by a chorus in pure '70s prog style, where among choirs and Baker's solo voice, the listener is left completely speechless by the beauty and musical delicacy. Another strong point of the track is certainly represented by the very effective instrumental interlude, with a melodic solo of great taste and class; it closes with a double chorus concluding the song in the best possible way. The level continues to be on par with very few groups with the excellent Don't Ever Cry Just Remember, introduced by a series of piano notes tied to Baker's theatrical voice, leading the track masterfully. Once again, the chorus is praiseworthy, sunny and impactful, all supported by an excellent melodic base (in which the flutes definitely stand out) but also by a truly refined and elegant rhythmic base.
With Warcry, the tones become more decisive and heavy: the track, rich in power nuances, is certainly more driven, yet it does not lose the progressive vein that distinguishes the band's production. The instrumental part is highly enjoyable, dominated by guitar and piano lines, accompanied by a pulsating bass and drums always ready to execute time changes without missing a beat. The fantastic Celtic Princess, song represented by a piano base that alone leads the entire track, is noteworthy, recalling contemporary music parts expertly mixed with classical-like parts. Excellent.
We return to explore prog/power territories (with a predominance of the latter) with the very valid Deeper Than Life, a track where we find a great richness of double bass parts, fast and sharp solos, and vocal falsettos. Exceptional are the guitar and keyboard solos chasing each other, supported by a great bass in the background. The next one, Alaska, presents itself as a track completely devoid of distortions, where acoustic guitars, piano, and flutes accompany, in an absolutely festive and light atmosphere, a Baker in great shape, who gives listeners deep emotions thanks to a truly heartfelt and profound interpretation.
Thus, we arrive at the very long suite (and final track) of a good 29 minutes: Ghostship, a track divided into 8 episodes, is one of those pieces that really makes you understand how much this band puts their heart into writing songs and lyrics (which, by the way, are truly worth framing); fast solos, calm and relaxed parts, continuously evolving rhythm, in short, everything but everything in this very long track is to be appreciated.
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, and after listening to such an album, dear readers, if erring is human, then Shadow Gallery are not, absolutely.
P.S.
the final 5 stars, which are absolutely obligatory, barely manage to describe the totality of such an album.
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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Other reviews
By splinter
"Carved In Stone is a perfect work from every perspective and moreover supported by a production that matched its quality."
"Alaska is one of the most touching ballads ever written by a prog-metal band; if you shed a tear, don’t worry, it’s normal!"
