ROOM V

"Room V" is the sequel to the intriguing story started in "Tyranny" (and approached already in a couple of earlier songs) But it's by no mean a clone of "Tyranny", and that's for the best. Beside similar musical references, this one contains maybe more instrumental parts and more varied atmospheres. Shadow Gallery continue to evolve and to refine their very own, unique style and musicianship. Although it's composed of great instrumentalists and singers, the main focus in their music is melody and emotion before the instrumental prowesses (but lovers of great instrumental parts will find many varied and complex ones here !). Shadow Gallery yet represents the perfect balance between powerful guitar riffs and symphonic rock with the best vocal works that can be heard today in any style ! You can love them for their mellow side or their heavier side but one thing is sure : they've got a great sense of melody, harmony and counterpoint in everything they create and they also put their whole heart into their music. Their incredible multi-layered vocal harmonies are matchless in the rock world and this album just proves this again. This concept album - which is probably the one where they achieved the best production/sound - is as coherent as ever but a bit more contrasted and, beside their usual musical references coming from bands as diverse but as talented as Queen, Kansas, Pink Floyd or the most progressive Iron Maiden, plus classical music, they've added slight touches of bluesy and jazzy references occasionally in their fantastic guitar parts. Lovers of David Gilmour's playing will hear some wonderful surprises. Beautiful melodies, a great sense of drama, very exciting and very accessible progressive structures throughout those 75+ minutes of music and there's not a single meaningless track, everything is essential ! Shadow Gallery's albums are long in the making but always done in the best way possible, this fifth one was well worth the wait. They should be much more famous than they are. so those who haven't checked them yet but who love the aforementioned styles and references in music, it's very unlikely that you'll be disappointed. By the way, there's a limited edition for Europe only, with an extra CD full of unreleased stuff and a video track as well !