EDEN SHADOW

This is the second album from neo-prog/prog metal outfit Eden Shadow, released in 2016, who are a trio based around Ryan Elliott (vocals, guitar, keyboards) with Alex Broben (bass) and Aled Lloyd (drums). Although the three of them are the sole musicians on four of the six songs, they are joined by some others for the other two, most notably the famed Theo Travis on flute and saxophone. What really works on this nearly sixty-minute-long album is the syncopation, and the way that the three musicians tie it in so tightly, almost moving into mathcore territory. The arrangements are solid, and the production quite superb for a release like this, but that just isn't enough for me.

From the off I found that I was struggling with Ryan's vocals. It is not that he is a poor singer, but just that he doesn't seem quite right for the style of music that is being played, and I found it quite jarring. Added to that the songs are nothing more than okay, and I found myself wishing that there was an outside influence in the studio to push the ideas that really worked, and give guidance. But, as always, views on music are subjective as opposed objective and there are plenty of people who seems to say that this is the best thing since sliced bread, so all I can say is that it doesn't work for me.

Three young Prog enthusiasts and their desire for fresh progressive music led to the formation of Eden Shadow in 2011.Singer/multi-instrumentalist Ryan Elliott met bassist Alex Broben while studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.Contact via mail with drummer Tom Burgess completed the trio, which started working immediately on original pieces.In October 2012 the debut EP of Eden Shadow was launched, featuring the guest appearance of Magenta's Rob Reed on keyboards in two tracks and female singer Hanna Wakeford.All arrangement as well as the clear production is credited to the band's leader Ryan Elliott.

Opening piece ''Submerged'' shows an energetic and powerful band exploring the sounds of modern Neo Prog with occasional heaviness, somewhere between VIENNA CIRCLE and PORCUPINE TREE, featuring impressive riffs, instant melodies and atmospheric keyboards in the background.The same groove continues with the 7-min. title-track, although some surprising Eastern melodies are also thrown in among the heavy/melodic stuff of the group.Some beautiful guitar soloing by Elliott as well as Reed's dreamy synth lines towards the end complete another very good piece of instrumental Progressive Rock.With ''Run away with me'' gear are a bit down with Eden Shadow delivering a more laid-back and highly melodic piece akin to compatriots MOTHER BLACK CAP, highlighted by the vintage sounds of Rob Reed's Hammond organ in a very good solo, which is nicely combined with the sharp guitars of Elliott.Nice and passionate Neo Prog with a few impressive synthesizer moves after the middle.The EP closes with the longest piece, the 8-min. ''Forest Dance'', another one close to VIENNA CIRCLE with a little bit of diversity thrown in, as the orchestral intro will leave its place to some powerful guitar-based parts and the great changes between acoustic melodies and bombastic electric riffing.There is even some sampled Mellotrons in here, leading towards a pompous outro with Elliott's fiery solos in the forefront.

This EP leaves the listener starving for some more fresh Progressive Rock.A great introduction for a talented band, moving along the lines of instrumental, melodic and powerful Neo Prog.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

EDEN SHADOW- HAIL EP a 27 minute statement of intent the title says it all and heralds the birth of the next generation of progressive music securing the long term future that the label WhiteKnight care so deeply about. HACKETT MEET RUSH is the simple answer for those who choose not to big deeper to find the real deep diversity and energy within these tracks. The labels ROB REED of Magenta and Cyan fame plays some stunning keyboards on two of the tracks a rare thing for Rob to do. Such is his confidence in the music. . Spearheaded by RYAN ELLIOTT these young men are all studying at the Guildford music school of excellence. Elliott already is musically rubbing shoulders and mixing in the elite company of Reed Matt Cohen and Antony Kalugin at just 19 years of age. This debut EP showcases the talents of EDEN SHADOW as a serious musical project band highlighting the special writing skills of Elliott. This teenager carries on his shoulders so much as I fully expect him to become a major player in music for decades to come and along with the likes of Antony Kalugin and Freedde Grebbe safeguard our genre of music well into the 2020s The trio have one amazing tight sound that is much more than progressive rock. The only way to truly find out is to listen for yourself so give these guys your immediate attention Will Mackie