Παρασκευή 21 Μαρτίου 2025

REVIEW: SHADY LANE - There and Back

 


SHADY LANE - There and Back


Underground Symphony Records


The debut of any band and any musician, in general, showcases their ability to create interesting music, reveals their influences, and, of course, demonstrates how they filter these influences to develop their own identity. The Italian band SHADY LANE certainly does not deviate from this rule. 


The band aptly describes their sound as melodic progressive metal. And while the term "progressive metal" often turns me off in many cases, in this instance, not only did that not happen, but listening to this release also provided me with several enjoyable moments. 



Firstly, the band does not seem interested in showcasing their technical abilities, but instead harnesses these tendencies and uses them in a way that allows them to develop the narrative explored through each composition. There is a strong sense of drama and storytelling in this album that will surely remind seasoned listeners of bands like QUEENSRYCHE during the "Operation Mind Crime" era. Certainly, these are not the only musical references present in this band’s work. Personally, and without having extensive experience in their genre, I found references to groups such as FATES WARNING, SAVATAGE, and SHADOW GALLERY. All of this is done without any intent of imitation, but rather as a vehicle to create their own soundscapes. 


An interesting release and a good start for SHADY LANE, which I will certainly recommend to fans of progressive and melodic metal, as well as anyone who wants to listen to a well-crafted debut from a band that possesses talent and compositional skill.


Nick Parastatidis


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