Shadow Gallery's history can be traced back all the way to the early 1980's. Then a couple of the members started a band called Sorcerer. The band changed their name in 1990, and soon scored a record deal. Shadow Gallery play progressive metal, heavily influenced by bands like Rush, Yes and Queensrÿche. 

SHADOW GALLERY (1992) MAGNA CARTA

There are many bands out there that I hear so much about that they are bound to catch my attention. This band got a lot of praise around the release of their 4th album, I decided it was time to check them out. But I wanted to start at the beginning, and I bought this debut-album from a mail-order company called Ginza. But after owning this album for several months already, I honestly can't get too much into it. It's great musicianship, and a decent debut, but non of the songs make me want to listen to the CD over and over again. I'm still looking for the other releases from the band, but this one will not become a frequent player. The label progressive metal is VERY fitting to their music. Imagine a metal version of Rush meets Yes. I would also compare them to Queen and Eternity X. I've also heard this band been compared to Queensrÿche and Iced Earth(!!). It's quite daring to include the 17+ minutes track, called "The Queen Of The City Of Ice", on their first effort though.

Killer tracks: The Dance Of Fools, Question At Hand

CARVED IN STONE (1995) MAGNA CARTA

After my initial disappointment with this band, I didn't exactly hurry myself up to get a hold of more of their music. But I finally did, and I'm glad I did! 'Carved In Stone' shows a band that have grown as musicians, but first and foremost as songwriters. They have managed to create a sound of their own, yet staying firmly rooted in the progressive metal tradition. I can't help noticing their similarity to Eternity X. And throw in some Savatage and Threshold, and you might get an idea of how these guys sound. The first thing I noticed on this album was the emotions laid there by the vocals. The song "Don't Ever Cry, Just Remember" hit me as being one of the best tunes I've heard in a long time. This progressive metal ballad is filled with emotions, and it kept me coming back to this album again and again. And in doin' so, it also opened up my ears to the other tracks. 'Carved In Stone' ranks nicely alongside other fairly unknown progressive metal masterpieces, such as Threshold's 'Psychedelicatessen' and Eternity X's 'The Edge'.

Killer tracks: Crystalline Dream, Don't Ever Cry, Just Remember

ROOM V (2005) INSIDEOUT/SPV

With their aptly entitled fifth album, Shadow Gallery have delivered a follow up to 'Tyranny'. But I think they outdid themselves with 'Room V'. It is an amazing album in every way possible. From musicianship to delivery, from songwriting to production, from artistry to lyrics. To say that this is one of the finest progressive discs in my collection is not an overstatement. But I am reluctant about whether I should call this prog-metal or just prog-rock. You see, the metallic sheen is not so apparent here, but Shadow Gallery are noteworthy more heavy than both the current prog-rock scene, and the mastodon bands that started this genre in the 70's. And that is one of the many reasons why this album is so appealing. It defies boundaries, and just exists as a masterpiece in any perspective, as far as I can see. 'Room V' should be listened to in respect and awe, and nothing else matters. 'Comfort Me' is probably the best male/female duet I've ever heard, "Vow" is maybe one of the better musical testimonies I've leant my ears to and "Rain" might be the most fitting ending song ever. Get the picture? Oh yes, this is a MUST, and will be found on the top 20 of 2005 releases.

Killer tracks: A masterpiece hold only killer tacks!

Gary Wehrkamp guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2: Flight Of The Migrator'