Band : Shadowkeep

Album Title : The Hourglass Effect

Label : Melissa Records

Distributor : Bertus – Rock Inc.

Release Date : 21/11/2008

Release : CD

After the Belgian vocalist Rogue Marechel has left the band it seems that Shadowkeep was doomed to end their musical career. In 2002 they were known as the equivalent of Queensrÿche but after two albums all came to an end. After six years of silence Shadowkeep stands up from the graves and with a new vocalist they produced their third full length album. The new singer is a legend from the eighties, Richie Wicks. He was the front man and vocalist of Tygers Of Pan Tang. Songs like “Incisor” proves that the band hasn’t moved an inch from the musical direction they’ve take since their debut album “Corruption Within”. And the voice of Richie Wicks still is as powerful as two decades earlier and it fits the music of Shadowkeep perfectly. His voice has also more character than Rogue Marechel and sounds more varied. This new album sounds very creative, both musically and sound technically. When you’re a fan of their earlier work, Queensrÿche or a progressive heavy metal lover this album will definitely get you by the throat. It’s good to have them back.

75/100

Guido Claes.