Search - :: Tyranny

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D. Rausch | United States | 09/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Masterpiece comes to mind. Also Solid Masterpiece is appropriate...



Having started with DT eons ago, and like most who were encouraged by the rebirth of quality music in the modern age (if tragically underground), I hungered for more "prog", a genre of music that really can only be pigeonholed as musicians who wield epic emotion but aren't satisfied without pushing envelopes at the same time...which really is simply characterized as the greatest music possible.



This virtousic concept album about apprehension towards corporate greed takes me back to that first Dream Theater or Queensryche album I heard, but at times Shadow Gallery surprises even myself into begging for placement into the forefront of popular music. It's that good.



One of the greatest songs I have ever heard is a keystone to this album: "I Believe." It is a good represenation of what Shadow Gallery produces in their finest moments. Layers of intellectually strewn choruses, virtuosic passages of dueling guitars/keys, and just heart-wrenching emotion. Top quality production and diversity even within itself. The here-then-gone cameo of James laBrie doesn't hurt. One of the most rare finds in humanity is technical proficiency coupled with fantastic expression and personality. I find this review staying very short, because put simply, it's all here.



It's been a while since there's been an album I've been addicted to so much. Every time I put it back on the shelf, I change my mind and listen to it one more time. Whenever I'm not listening to it and I think of it, I must go play it. That reminds me..."

Pretty Good - gets better with multiple listenings

Brian | Washington DC | 02/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay - when I first heard this CD, I wasn't all that thrilled. It's not my first Shadow Gallery CD - I purchased Carved in Stone before this, and actually like that better, but Tyranny is starting to grow on me and I'm beginning to appreciate some it's merits I didn't notice at first. I'm not a power metal guy - I can't stand hearing speed guitar just to showcase how fast a guitarist can play, or speed druming for the same reason - only relative to the drummer. When I first listened to this CD, I got the impression that's what was unfolding and shelved it. I pulled it again and began to notice the story that unfolds with the lyrics - they're pretty complex and quite well done. Putting the lyrics together with the metal then begins to form the story that is Tyranny - it's almost scary that it's also almost a commentary on our current society and conditions! (but not a political soundoff). I can't accept the criticism of the vocalist I've read from other reviewers here. I find Shadow Gallery's vocals a strong point of the band and deserving of much more recognition and praise that they've received. They are simply exceptional. I still prefer Carved in Stone over Tyranny, but Tyranny has come off the shelf now and is becoming more appealing. It's worthy of a second listen, and maybe more."