Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Shadowland - Through the Looking Glass CD (album) cover

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Shadowland

 

Neo-Prog

3.20 | 60 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars I was positively surprised by the vocal capabilities of Clive on the debut ''Ring Of Roses''. And this one is not shy of, at least as far as the vocal department is concerned.

In terms of music, I have to say that this album is not as strong as its predecessor. I also feel a bit tired about these ''conceptual'' albums. As if it was necessary to produce such albums to be credible. As far as I'm concerned, if a band puts six of seven good songs together and records an album, it is pretty fine for me. To defend some thin concept is a lost battle IMO.

This album is quite ''Arena'' oriented: it is heavier than their debut and I have some difficulties to identify great songs here. The album starts with the third track: ''Dreams Of The Ferryman''. But before this one, one had to digest ''The Hunger'' which is quite a hard task.

I have the feeling that inspiration was not at its peak while Clive wrote those songs. Average music performed by skilled musicians. There are hardly any surprises while you listen to this work. As if those guys were heading the factory to work for the day and then leave after their shift. I can't feel lots of emotion here.

This album is for sure not a gem of music. Still, I will go and see them in their reunion tour soon, because those guys really mean things to me. But when an average work is released, I can't be over enthusiast about it.

The more I listened to this album, the less I could be charmed. The popish ''Waking Hour'' won't change my opinion of course. The long title track is a descent into the abyss of dullness until a great guitar break woke me up and to be complete it is followed by a dynamic and bombastic closing section.

This album sounds flat to my ears. Two stars.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this SHADOWLAND review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.