BEHIND THE BLACK VEIL

Headed by Devon Graves aka Buddy Lackey this line-up bears resemblance to some other best-of collaborations. THE SHADOW THEORY are something like a supergroup consisting of Deadsoul Tribe, Pain Of Salvation, Threshold (ex-)members. Some even speculate to hear the real Psychotic Waltz reunion. I came to this due to an accidental offer and consequently try to stick to my approach ... promo = review ... no matter what. And so after some rounds finally I can say - it was worth while! Whilst starting with many objections my attitude has changed in the meanwhile. The songs on 'Behind The Black Veil' are stylistically worked out in the vein of melodic prog metal - you will find heavy riff dominated as well as mellow charming moments constantly alternating.

Okay - this is not of a revolutionary new approach - will please the fans anyhow. I'm not that good in interpreting lyrics, leave this to the others - however it is said, the concept behind is the case of a rock star, addicted to drugs, not able anymore to draw a distinction between reality and dream ... truth is stranger than fiction. Well, the first thing to reflect is: the five musicians inolved are acting homogenously - technically on a high level anyway. Nobody, not even the singer, seems to be unnecessarily pushed into the foreground.

An Ian Anderson reminiscent flute surprises (maybe irritates one or two) on I Open Up My Eyes - Graves' vocal competence is indisputable, provided with so much emotional impact. And he even resembles a Tull touch here. This is skillfully embedded into the heavy rock outfitted song, and - caused by a mellow counterpart - always gets a chance to relax. Yeah, an exemplar which is really memorable after a while. Apropos Jethro Tull - we even have another song Selebrate which is close due to a folksy as well as lively behaviour.

Now then let's talk about some bombast prog on the opposite. A Symphony Of Shadow offers much trickiness, very symphonic as the title implies, also referring to Queen a bit. Hoho - this one is a challenge really, Mr. Graves - surely a highlight. That being said all the other songs I did not mention especially are solid, some like Ghostride show new metal/thrash input too more or less.

All in all I find this album more varied and entertaining than other stylistically related efforts I could intensively listen to in recent times. Some sampled gimmicks are integrated here and there which rounds the overall impression up. No need to emphasize any particular musician furthermore. They all are making a good job of it in the same way! My final conclusion here and now: recommended ... not only a case for designated prog metal aficionados - 3.5 stars with upward tendency.