MAD AS A HATTER

This is neo progressive rock, in the style of ARENA. Clive Nolan's contribution in the progressive rock world is impressive: PENDRAGON, ARENA and then here in SHADOWLAND. He plays tons of keyboards here and composes the music.

The style is prog hard rock, sometimes almost metal, because of the razor and aggressive guitar sound of Karl Groom. Nolan's keyboards are varied and he has a very unique scattered style that can be interesting in many bits. Lots of moog solos here. I must recognize Nolan has the faculty to create catchy parts full of good vocals that are really addictive ("Mephisto Bridge", "Father", "The Burning"). Groom's guitar often goes into good high notes solos. Listen to the fretless bass on "Flatline": impressive! Finally, this album is made of full of surprises to be discovered.