'Digital
Ghosts' is chapter one after the sad passing of vocalist Mike Baker last year,
and I must admit that the move is a lot smoother than expected.
Shadow
Gallery
has been a stable and unique part of the progressive metal scene since the early
90's, delivering one outstanding album after another; never changing direction,
sound or style. And they continue down the direction they stuck out so long ago,
and new guy Brian Ashland fits right in like there hadn't been a necessary
change.
This is
unmistakably Shadow Gallery; the harmonies, song structures and sound has
signature of Gary Wehrkamp, Carl Cadden-James and Brendt Allman and they stand
out like they always have done. And even though the sound remains the same, they
still sound fresh and are not repeating themselves at any point.
This is
another fine example of just how unique Shadow Gallery is and always has
been and this is exactly what we, the fans, have been waiting for since 'Room
V' (2005). And they used adversity to something positive, and have come up with
an album that might not quite surpass their best moments but comes damn close...
And do
pick up the limited edition, which has two demo songs song by the late Mike
Baker; a great way to pay tribute to him and to remind us of that he might be
gone, but he will never be forgotten.
