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| Shadowland - Mad As A Hatter |
 Released: 1996 Label: Verglas Cat. No.: VGCD003 Total Time: 64:07 | |
Reviewed by: Bjørnar Bevolden, November 2002 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! PPO Rating: 8/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.] More about Mad As A Hatter: Track Listing: 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: Contact: Website: www.verglas.com Discography
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