Author: Rok Klemše
Artist: Shadow Theory, The
Label: Inside Out Records
Release: 2010
Runtime: 57:19
Rating: 3.5/5
Cult progressive metal band Psychotic Waltz was considered one of the genre’s key acts in the nineties and put out four classic records that simply have to be part of every prog metal collection. The band fell apart toward the end of the last millennium, and its members scattered all over the world. Charismatic vocalist Buddy Lackey (real name Devon Graves) didn’t sit still and founded Deadsoul Tribe, which never brought him the success he was after, despite five albums and plenty of touring. Then, to quite a surprise, the original Psychotic Waltz lineup recently announced they’re back from the dead. We’re already counting down the days until they play Ljubljana’s Cvetličarna as openers for Nevermore/Symphony X, and before that, Devon’s project The Shadow Theory has dropped its record, Behind the Black Veil.
On Behind the Black Veil, Devon, as the project’s mastermind and the album’s producer, takes on a concept record for the first time in his career. The story follows a fallen rock star deeply hooked on drugs and similar substances. So deeply, in fact, that during one of his “trips” he tumbles from one nightmare into the next and eventually loses track of where the line between nightmares and reality lies. And The Shadow Theory’s line sits somewhere halfway between Psychotic Waltz and Deadsoul Tribe; Behind the Black Veil is more technical than Deadsoul Tribe and more emotional than Psychotic Waltz, and when it comes to playing around with different genres, the record is almost forcibly diverse. The very first track, I Open Up My Eyes, nails the essence of the band: mighty prog metal riffing in the manner of good old Dream Theater, or at times even the more technical approach of someone like Watchtower, more or less successfully mixed with elements of symphonic metal, morbid psychedelia, folk and progressive rock. That last genre is strongly represented on the album, mostly thanks to Graves’ other love, Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson. It was because of that very man that Devon picked up the flute in the first place, and it shows up already in the first track, with “solo” spots following later on. Besides the flute, Graves also delivers a fantastic, chameleon-like vocal performance that covers everything from harsh, almost growled vocals in the opening track to whispers and melodic multi-part harmonies. The vocals interpret the story brilliantly, stepping into the shoes of a creepy narrator (Snakeskin, A Candle in the Gallery) in the style of King Diamond one moment, then soaring off into pompous realms the next, which in the closing track A Symphony of Shadows strongly recall the megalomania and pomp of Queen. These mighty, symphonic and bombastic elements are something you couldn’t find in Devon’s projects before. The instrumental side also shines mostly in the atmospheric, acoustic passages, and drummer Johanne James, otherwise the drummer of English prog metal champions Threshold, did a masterful job. Overall, though, the album is plagued by the very problem of its concept: the songs clearly follow it, but precisely because of that, some come off excellent while others can be a real thorn in your side. Tracks like Crossroads and Selebrate, for example, bring nothing exciting at all and fade from memory after the first listen.
Behind the Black Veil is a good album with a well-developed concept, though that very concept does it more harm than good. It’s a record that needs a bit more time to sink into your ears, and at the same time, with its dark, gloomy atmosphere, it fits rainy days perfectly. If The Shadow Theory grows from a project into a real band, it’ll be interesting to hear what future releases bring. Until then, it’s great to hear Devon Graves in top vocal form, which means we can expect nothing but the best from the Psychotic Waltz reunion.
Lineup
Devon Graves – vocals, guitar, flute
Demi Scott – keyboards
Arne Schuppner – guitar
Kristoffer Gildenlöw – bass
Johanne James – drums
Production
Devon Graves
Tracklist
1. I Open Up My Eyes
2. The Sound of Flies
3. Ghostride
4. Welcome
5. By the Crossroads
6. Selebrate
7. Snakeskin
8. Sleepwalking
9. The Black Cradle
10. A Candle in the Gallery
11. A Symphony of Shadows
