HAIL

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.