Shadowland - Mad As A Hatter

Year of Release: 1996
Label: Verglas
Catalog Number: VGCD003
Format: CD
Total Time: 64:07:00

This is Shadowland's third full-length release and follow up to Through The Looking Glass and Ring Of Roses. Shadowland should not be an unfamiliar band for people into the prog-scene, as this band features the talents of Karl Groom (Strangers On A Train, Threshold) and Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon, Strangers On A Train).

Not unlike Groom and Nolan's other projects, Shadowland offers well-crafted, pompous, sometimes heavy, atmospheric and melodic prog-rock. It's not overly progressive, maybe a combination of both symph- and prog-rock. Nolan's vocals are good, mid-ranged, sometimes sad and emotive and, as always, his keys are up-front, varied and tasty. Groom's guitar work is also very varied, from heavy comps or acoustic guitars, to crying atmospheric solos. The melodies are worked through very well, and the melody-lines and choruses are melodic, striking and appealing. The production is clear and solid and, as the whole Shadowland back catalogue is being re-issued, this version features great new artwork by Peter Nicholls (IQ). While this is nothing new under the sun, you can't fail to see the quality of the songs.

This is a great album and will most certainly appeal to fans of above-mentioned bands and prog/symph- fans in general. Recommended!

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
U.S.I. (United States of Insanity) / Mephisto Bridge / Flatline / The Seventh Year: Part One: A Curious Tale - Part Two: Why Kruhulick? / Father / The Burning / Zuleika / Mad As A Hatter / Salvation Comes

Musicians:
Clive Nolan - vocals and keyboards
Karl Groom - guitars
Mike Varty - keyboards
Ian Salmon - bass and acoustic guitar
Nick Harradence - drums

Discography:
Ring of Roses (1992)
Through The Looking Glass (1994)
Mad As A Hatter (1996)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: February 20th 2005
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.verglas.com
Hits: 2720
Language: english