LEGACY

Shadow Gallery is a band that was formed in Pennsylvania by four great musicans, they recorded an eponymous demo which would be the debut of the band. The second album was recorded with the addition of two musicians one of them was Kevin Soffera, an excellent drumer from hard rock style that fits in no better manner with Shadow Gallery. The band recorded "Carved in Stone", a very epic and symphonic unforgettable masterpiece. Soffera left the band and Joe Nevolo came, so Shadow Gallery recorded "Tyranny"; an epic composition on topics about the new millennium, terrorism, new technology, and ambition, excellent in music and lyrics.

By the beginning of 2000's decade prog metal was starting to face a new change, the new tendencies of the mother bands on United States and the force and power from Europe hit Shadow Gallery. Innovative ideas and the will to make a huge change took Shadow Gallery to find a new way on music and so this release was born: "Legacy". LEGENDARY PIECE OF ART!

These are the best words to describe this release. Perfect in production, innovative and breaking the boundaries of progressive metal heading to a new direction of music. That is what Shadow Gallery accomplish in this album, a very different style in comparison to the previous and later albums. This is a very intellectual CD with an even heavier style in some tracks and softer in other ones respect to their previous releases but preserving the same complexity and art.

This album is a kind of bridge or transition between the two different styles of Shadow Gallery. Before "Legacy" the style was more epical and ambient and after "Legacy" it became heavier and more unpredictable. Both of their styles are definitely excellent. Legacy is a heterogeneous album that mixes nuances from "Carved in Stone", stunning solos and innovative and complex riffs that took place in "Tyranny" and of course, a clear influence on the debut, especially in the presence of crystalline sounds on the ballads.

1. Cliffhanger II: this is a real example of virtuosity, symmetry, intelligence and force. A track divided in two parts. The first one is the continuation of "Cliffhanger" story from the first track of "Carved in Stone". It is about a man that is victim of a prosecution. He is hanging from their fingers on a cliff and seems there is no way to save his life until a woman gives him a hand and saves him under condition. Then these people are victims of a terrorist attack and are buried by an avalanche that does their part with them. The second part is completely instrumental. There, the band shows all the abilities to make real heavy and complex music. The riffs are ornamented by the keyboards of Chris Ingles who is without a doubt a genius. Solos here and there by both guitarists and very remarking riffs conduct the track to a take-breathing journey through a real Gallery of Shadows through music. (10/10)

2. Destination Unknown: a track that begins with a soft piano in companion to the mellowing voice of Mike Baker. Inspired, full of eloquence and romantic song. The dynamic presence of the guitar solos and the solid bass lines makes of this one a real good ballad. To honest, maybe you will need at least a couple of spins to get into it but once you enjoy it you will definitely love it. This is the reason I insist there is innovation. This is the first time SG plays this kind of composition and adds it to progressive style as a new option. Anyway, Exceptional track (9/10)

3. Colors: A track that sounds soft and mellowing. Inspired vocals that reminds of Barkley James Harvest but with an even more complex and finer composition. Vocals similar to "Alaska" from "Carved in Stone". This track deserves an A in inspiration. The low complexity is balanced by the heavenly chorus and ambient leads. Very Good Track! (8/10)

4. Society of the mind: Heavy track with powerful bass lines, strong and clear vocals from Mike along the track. Counterpoints here and there, a vocal bridge and complex arrangements on guitars and keyboards are enough to convince the potential prog- machine Shadow Gallery is. Very Good! (8/10)

5. Legacy: Beautiful, perfect in coordination, eloquent vocals and lyrics. A masterful track that reveals the emotive spirit of the band. Full of progressions, strong choruses, subtle touches of Chris Ingles on the perfect moments and of course a virtuosity that characterizes bass and lead guitars. Excellent Track! (9/10)

6. First Light: A long epic composition influenced by space rock sounds effects but with a clear presence of the proper style of the band. A delicious track that will take you to a journey to the afterlife. Music with very anti-existentialist and introspective lyrics. A man dies and so comes to his mind all the people he has loved. This is why I say this album is intelligent. With a bit of patience this track can drag you into music and have a real experience. (10/10)

Shadow Gallery is a very smart band with a clear vision on music and especially in this album. They have influences from early and late "Dream Theater" and early Queensryche but the main structure of their style is original. Shadow Gallery is a metal prog with clear influence on heavy rock but with remarked and involving bass lines full of presence, virtuous guitars from Allman an Wehrkamp and the real master on drums: Joe Nevolo. The way of moving through tempos, their fine solos and well-thought lyrics and arrangements characterize a professional band that moves other ways different than the commercial tendencies in the US and that is what I and many people love of them. Prove of their particularity is that they do not make live concerts or shows.

So dear reader, DO NOT let yourself get confused for all of the complaints you have probably read in here. Perhaps, the reason of all those comments is that this album is very heterogeneous and different, but that is what I love of it. Just give it a try, and I am sure there won't be disappointments at all.

I encourage you to give it a chance, and listen to Shadow Gallery. "Legacy" is a very good point to start. Excellent addition to any progressive collection, highly recommended for lovers of Dream Theater, Rush and Queensryche.

Good Progressions!!

Share this SHADOW GALLERY review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to razifa
• Report this review (#52533)
• Buy SHADOW GALLERY music online with PA partners
• Show all SHADOW GALLERY MP3/Stream
• Go to SHADOW GALLERY page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Legacy page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SHADOW GALLERY related discussions