By Vinnie Apicella So far a very traditionally-inspired wholly heavy metal sound from the English Power/Prog enthusiasts. it's like being thrown back in a time warp-sure in many cases where folklore and fantasy collide in what generally amounts to a medieval hemisphere, going back in time spans generations and many moons ago. and while this isn't quite the storybook design that many of their realm have sought to create, there is a chivalrous slant etched into each power chord, soaring vocal and rousing chant that roars in the distance. I'm hearing a Therion meets Helstar meets the Knights of Columbus. or something to that effect. While harmony prevails and instrumental proficiency stands proudly at the forefront, less so those elemental keyboard arrangements and reaching sound effects, zoned out mostly in favor of all out full speed ahead gate-storming intensity. And yet with their background they'd have every right to recapture the legendary tales of yesterday's well documented history and who'd begrudge them? The comparisons I've read are intriguing if not altogether conflicting-but seemingly anywhere the idea of progression comes into play, there'll always be a Queensryche or Fates Warning shadow lurking in the distance. but I'll say this, either band, on their finest day were never close to this extreme. Singer Rogue's voice is amongst those of the low-key Tate variety but maybe more so like a fading Arch while the Spectre's remained actively engrossed in their twilight reign nearly two decades ago. Yet it's easy if not simple to put Shadow Keep right at the forefront of the other name acts like a Rhapsody, Ivory Tower or Labyrinth. and yet casting aside those fantastic journeys such as they are, there's plenty of wretched excess to bleed out of this, recalling the latest fury laid upon the land by a Jacob's Dream or even Sacred Steel. in fact Shadow Keep is a Metal Blade band in disguise for all intents and purposes! Look for 'em soon on a Queensryche tribute while "Corruption Within" quickly plots its strategic course over this sanctimonious savage land of ours. © 2000, BBHrdRpt

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