Shadow Gallery
Room V

Here you have one of the lesser-known prog-metal bands. We are talking about the Shadow Gallery, in other words, a fantastic, mythical group, but unfortunately almost unknown.

Prog-metal is a genre that includes many bands that over the years have managed to carve out a place in the history of this type of music. For example, Symphony X or Dream Theater, but Shadow Gallery only achieved this partly. This is because the band has never performed live, and has never made any videos; in short, it hasn't become a commercial band, but I think something should have been done to grab the attention of fans.

The band has American origins, specifically it was founded in Pennsylvania in 1992. The name was inspired by the Graphic Novel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore. The historical members of the group over the years have been Mike Baker, the historical voice, Joe Nevolo on drums, Brendt Allman on guitar, and Chris Ingles on piano and keyboards. Additionally, there have been many additions who played with the band during various productions. Among the members, the singer Mike Baker stands out, endowed with a very particular voice.

‘'Room V ‘' was released in 2005 and is the fifth album of the band. The album continues the story begun in another album, ‘' Tyranny ‘' released a few years earlier. It starts from ‘' Tyranny Act II ‘' and this work surprises with the strong melodic component of the tracks. It's surprising because in the previous albums the sound of the group was less melodic, giving way to the typical prog-metal sound. Inside a Shadow Gallery song, there are instrumental parts alternating with sung parts. Their music is striking, as it is delicate and sweet in some cases and aggressive and powerful in others, and all of this showcases the great skill of the musicians. The fact that the album is a continuation of ‘'Tyranny ‘' means that the group wanted to continue that story and try to evolve the sound of the band.

The first track ‘' Manhunt ‘' connects to ‘'Tyranny‘' and immediately the link between the two albums is evident. Hearing the introduction, it seems that seven years have not passed. ‘' Comfort Me ‘' is a splendid duet between Mike Baker and Laura Jeager, strongly desired by Baker himself during the recordings. A beautiful melody, an intertwining of emotions and feelings that leaves one breathless. With ‘' Andromeda Strani ‘' it changes. A track characterized by rather hard guitars, with some power nuances. The magnificent ‘' Vow ‘' leaves one speechless, with a Baker in a state of grace giving us a vocal performance for the ages, a unique crescendo of sounds. The most beautiful track of the entire album, to be placed among the band's most beautiful songs. ‘' Birth Of Daughter ‘' is a rather strange track that can be compared to the life of a man. On one side joy and pleasures, on the other despair, sadness. ‘' Death Of Mother ‘' from the title already suggests a tragedy, that is the struggle against an inexorable fate that leaves no escape. The despair continues with ‘'Lamentia‘' in which Mike Baker is this time alone and his words express despair. ‘'Dark ‘' is a typical prog song. One of the slower tracks is ‘' The Archer Of Ben Salem ‘' characterized by keyboards and very harsh voices. Every word is wasted to describe the beauty of ‘' Room V ‘', the track that takes the name from the album. An breathtaking, stunning chorus. Everything ends with ‘'Rain‘' which concludes a majestic work started by the band some time ago with ‘'Tyranny ‘'.

‘'Room V‘' is definitely the masterpiece album of Shadow Gallery. All albums are of the highest level, but this one has something more. The album manages to envelope you, to capture you, to fully involve you. Their music never tires, and it makes you dream and delight. Exquisite technique, long and unique solos make ‘'Room V ‘' an immortal work. A work that moves you, it is so magnificent. Like the band's music that best represents that sentimental, sweet and intimate prog.