A really difficult release for this hugely talented band, mainly because their brilliant singer died just before they started recording it! Although Mike (Baker) didn't usually write any of the music for their CDs and only really ever got involved when it was time for the vocals to be done - as is kind of backed-up here. Essential as I always felt he was to the sound of the band, it has actually given the remaining members a chance to use a few other vocalists (Including
Ralf Scheepers of
Primal Fear) which just goes to illustrate that the songwriting is what gives this band it's 'identity' and not their singer. On a personal note though, as a long-term fan of the band and because the songs are so obviously
Shadow Gallery, it is really a massive shame (and at times a bit upsetting - though that may be me just being a sentimental wuss...) that it's not Mike Baker on there, because I thought his voice sounded fabulous and suited the songs so well. But whether you do or don't know the band with Mike singing, this is still one classy CD not to be missed!
As I said, I have been a fan of the band for a very long time - they have been on the go longer than
Dream Theater - even toured with them - but never seemed to get the breaks. It says on the cover of the CD 'for fans of
Dream Theater and
Symphony X', and yes this is undeniably a very polished Progressive
Metal release, but S.D. are more than that. A real attention to structure and melody - plus a real uniqueness in sound and arrangement has always, for me, set them aside. For instance, the third song on here has a fabulous catchy chorus yet also a really quirky off-beat riff and verse, wrapped up in 6 punchy minutes. Whereas the 6th track has similar elements effortlessly explored in just under 10 minutes, with hooks and technicality to impress the most scathing of Progsters - which really helps to illustrate the band as a whole, because they aren't afraid to then follow that with a piano led, heart-rending, heart-felt epic of the same length!
Excellent stuff and no doubt a real grower.
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