Shadow Gallery
Legacy

THE REVIEW

Comprised of six music teachers, Shadow Gallery is probably one of the least known prog-metal bands. Musically born in Pennsylvania, these six musicians are influenced in their composition phase by progressive groups like Yes, Jethro Tull, Genesis, heavy-metal music (Iron Maiden), and the psychedelia of Pink Floyd. In their fourth work, "Legacy," various jazz and fusion influences mix with classical and hard rock.

 The CD is in fact balanced and effective, and the listener is fully satisfied as there is a "complete" sound. In short, the album truly lacks nothing, except perhaps a bit more power in parts predisposed to a harder sound. But probably that's the beauty of the record. The tracks are structured like "ballads" or in some cases "semi-ballads," with some explosions reminiscent of Symphony X's sound. The members, besides being multi-instrumentalists, sing (all six of them!!) on every track, creating theoretically epic duets and choruses. Technique and imagination are certainly not lacking, but the "gallery of shadows" goes beyond that, creating a sound that is always suggestive and interesting. Mike Baker is the lead singer, supported by Brendt Allman on guitar, Carl Cadden James (bass, fretless and flute), Gary Wehrkamp (piano, guitar, and synthesizer); all three participants in the Mullmuzzler project along with James LaBrie. Completing the lineup are Kevin Soffera on drums and Chris Ingles on piano and synthesizer.

These are the creators of a work that offers for over 70 minutes, an easy, melodious, and fluid listening experience. There are many acoustic and atmospheric pieces that fill the album with situations that closely resemble the pre-romantic period, akin to a fantastic melody, making you mentally travel to unknown and incredibly distant destinations and eras. The various instruments come alive, creating a very evocative harmony that is easy to assimilate. The acoustic and atmospheric guitar pieces, almost always accompanied by the fretless and the piano, are the real highlight of the CD, almost always executing a simple but beautiful symphony. It's reductive to name the most beautiful songs because the pieces are interconnected and flow with great fluidity from beginning to end. I highly recommend listening to it.