SHADYON

Shadyon is a progressive metal band from France with 2 albums released so far formed in 2002 in Brest - Bretagne, France. I know this band since they release their second album from 2010 named Mind control. Somehow I've missed their first album when it was issued in 2006, but with the review of J-Man on their second release, it reminds meI have the album and needs some spins again and a review aswell. So Shadyion playes a melodic side of prog metal, I didn't trace that power metal arrangements like previous reviewer said, the music relies more on vocal department but with some killer keybords interluded. Of course this kind of bands are with hundreds in last years, with all that I find this second album pretty good for sure. I like the vocalist Emmanuel Creis, it sounds sometimes like Andy Deris from Helloween, but fits perfectly to this kind of music. Now the cherry on the cake to me is for sure and without hesitation the keybords arrangements, realy killer on all pieces, responsable for that is Jorris Guilbaud, excellent sound and absolutly fantastic solos, It was some time since I've heared such catchy and in same time very intrsting elements on keyboards, just listen to the opening keyboard solo on New Dimension, top notch and damn memorable, I've almost find myself singing that solo, hahahaha . Also very strong are some parts where they rely more on atmosphere but keybords aswell are the main role, like on middle of the track Mind Control, and on Forgotten Nightmare, great choruses interluded with almost ghotic keybords, top notch. This kind of prog metal I've always like, not very pretentious , but very well done and composed, catchy tunes, what else a winner in my opinion. I don't know how sounds their first album, I have to check out, but if is good as this one then I'm a fan. Also if the next release will be at least as good as this Mind control then they got me in for sure. 3.5 for sure, good album towards great, fans of the genre give some spins because worth it. I realy like it.

Although Europe seems to be flooded with progressive power metal acts, France has never been the center of attention for that particular genre. Shadyon is a relatively young French act that, while seldom pushing any boundaries, has created a high-quality prog/power metal effort with Mind Control. People who enjoy hearing technically proficient musicians who never forget about melody and memorable hooks will definitely want to give this promising young band a spin. I really enjoyed listening to this album recently and, although it rarely stands out as something "unique", Shadyon are one of the most promising acts coming out of France right now. I'd recommend fans of progressive power metal to check this one out.

Shadyon clearly takes influence from acts like Dream Theater and especially Evergrey on Mind Control. There's an accessible, melodic edge to Shadyon's music and there are plenty of complex instrumental sections to keep the album from feeling formulaic. Keyboards take a starring role here, with plenty of terrific synth solos, melodies, and atmospheric chord progressions. Those who enjoy more organic prog metal may be turned off by the bombast of Mind Control, but I personally enjoy many of the aesthetics that dominate the release. Every song is highly memorable, but I especially have to applaud "New Dimension" and "Gates of Dawn" - both of which are stellar compositions. The musicians in Shadyon are very talented; there is some breathtaking instrumental runs on Mind Control. The vocals from Emmanuel Creis are also noteworthy; he belts out some amazing melodies throughout the album.

All in all, Mind Control is a high-quality release that fans of the progressive power metal may want to seek out. It's nothing groundbreaking, and a bit more of an adventurous attitude will be essential to Shadyon's success, but I've had a great time listening to Mind Control over the last week, hence my recommendable 3.5 star rating. If Shadyon can develop a more distinct sound, I detect an amazing third album on the horizon.