Shadow Gallery is a progressive rock band that stresses songwriting, production and performance in their music. Their songs are frequently long with instrumental pieces in the middle. Shadow Gallery's music is hard at times, soft at others, providing an interesting variety to the listener.
Of the original members, Mike Baker (lead vocals) and Carl Cadden-James (bass, flute) remained for the 1992 debut CD Shadow Gallery. They were joined by Brendt Allman (lead guitar), Chris Ingles (keyboards) and John Cooney (drums). This debut CD was released quickly and is considered by the band to be of demo quality. Although the production is weak, the songwriting on this CD clearly shows artistic potential.
Shadow Gallery took an enormous step in maturity for its second CD, Carved in Stone. A couple of lineup changes were made, with Kevin Soffera taking over on drums and versatile Gary Wehrkamp adding additional guitars and keyboards. Carved in Stone, released in 1995, is longer and much more mature than the debut CD. It features stunning production, far exceeding that of Shadow Gallery, and improves on the previously high-quality songwriting. The group's third album, Tyranny followed in 1998.
In 1998, the band's third album, Tyranny, was released. This is a concept album about a defense worker who becomes disenchanted with his job and searches for other meanings in his life. The music is very reminiscent of Carved in Stone, although somewhat lighter. Legacy appeared in spring 2001. ~ David White, Rovi
