BEHIND THE BLACK VEIL

Sometimes big things are one action away. The Greek keyboardist Dimitris Skotinis (Demi Scott) finally acted upon his thought and sent an email to the very Devon Graves (who was handling Deadsoul Tribe at the time), asking him for his advice on his music. Devon Graves was halfway the procedure before he pressed the stop button and suggested him to form together a band. He brought him in contact with Arne Schuppner of Complex 7 and they began writing the music. The line-up is rounded up by two more iconic musicians in prog music, Kristoffer Gildenlow of Pain of Salvation and Dial and finally by Johanne James of Threshold on the drums. This is a very strong line-up but, more important, the music lives up to the expectations. Reading the preface on the booklet (oh, I forgot to tell you that this album brings out its full potential when listening to the old-fashioned way and not on streaming services) this is a concept album and, to be more specific, a ghost story (and therefore there is a King Diamond aura, for those who had a stint at heavy metal). It is better to follow Devon Graves' advice and "turn down the lights, light a candle and some incense" to allow the music to drag you into the world of The Shadow Theory and what a spectacular world it is. A "rock cinema", as described by Devon Graves himself, with a prog metal core, amazing and genius acoustic guitar parts, flute touches that spice things up, symphonic parts (most notably on the aptly titled A Symphony Of Shadows) and even some electro parts. Devon Graves sings, whispers, screams, does whatever it takes to bring the story alive, a truly amazing performance and also his lyrics are carefully and masterfully written that rivet the listener. We also have to give him credit for rejecting very good songs the duo Scott/Schuppner were sending him until he got what he had in mind and finally he created an excellent flow. I do believe there is so much more scope in this album, it could be a theatrical play one day for sure.

As years go by, it's getting harder and harder to spot something that thrills me. Behind the Black Veil is one of those rare occasions and it's a pity that the band didn't go on since Devon Graves had already one more story which couldn't find its way on a Psychotic Waltz album. Absolutely brilliant!

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