DIGITAL GHOSTS

Like many recent "Prog Metal" bands, Shadow Gallery is full of ups and downs. However, Digitial Ghosts just may have moments that take you to heights where you might want to freeze forever, as well as enough downright ridiculous moments to make you wish the album was half it's length. To be honest, prog metal and complexity has never really interested me, but this band has "that undeniable element" of sincerity that pulls them miles ahead of their metal peers. It really is a shame that the band seems to feel tied down to the basics (and cliches) of their less creative counterparts. A great example of this is the section of Haunted (a shameless mixture of the absolute best and worst moments on the album) where after an incredible climatic dark buildup, it takes an amazing turn in a melodic and powerful style "Maybe I will trade these wings for a life where I am stronger and a life where there's no sleepless nights" emphasized powerfully by Ashland, definately one of the most talented vocalists I have ever heard... and then, a shred guitar solo and a synthesizer duel, completely out of place. The vocal and instrumental arrangements on this album can be truly amazing (In With Honor there is an acapella section with incredibly well thought out 5 way vocal harmonies) and Brian Ashland is freaking incredible, displaying a range of over 4 octaves, which he uses in a completely unpretentious and heartfelt way. This band has so much potential, and I hope to see them move in new directions in later releases. (Also, Two Shadows, sung by Mike Baker, is a bonus track available on the Digipak, and it's by far the best thing this band has ever put out)