(Melodic Metal / Progressive Metal) Shadyon - Mind Control - 2010, MP3, V0

Shadyon combines progressive parts, powerful riffs and AOR melodies and blend them together in a tasteful way, and create their own brand of melodic progressive metal. Their musical inspiration comes from widely spread bands as Toto, Devin Townsend, Ark, In Flames, Winger and Evergrey. Led by the emotional vocals of Emmanuel Creis, Shadyon presents a mature album with “Mind Control”, full of hooks and emotion. With the perfect amount of melodic and progressive parts, this album will definitely appeal to fans of progressive and melodic metal as well as AOR and hard rock.

The ten songs – including the beautiful, cinematic intro ‘Calm Before The Storm’ which flows into ‘New Dimension’ – form a substantial whole and does never sound chaotic or strained. They still have really good ideas but now these ideas are actually transferred into good songs. Eddy thought their music had a Scandinavian feel, I also share that thought and especially they sound a lot like Silent Call. Song structures and vocal lines remind me strongly of this Swedish band and fans of aforementioned band should have a listen for sure. One should play ‘Mind Control’ more often. After a First spin ‘Mind Control’ will sound as just another prog / symfo release but there is more in it. Songs like ‘New Dimension’, ‘Guardian Angels’ (unassuming and not that much a prog / power song) and ‘Strange Visions’ are heavy at one time but switch to nice sounding melodic, swinging hard rock where the guitar playing is not dominating but serves the songs. Nowhere does a solo lead to egocentric outbursts. Also the use of keyboards deserves attention. They are not just used as support but do really ad something to the songs and one can hear this band is really good! Weakest link is, as often, the vocals. The pronunciation of Emmanuel Creis is not always correct. But hey, Klaus Meine is forgiven this for ages and as the album progresses it seems to get slightly less. The album ends with the epic piece ‘Gates Of Dawn’ and lets us hear what this band is capable of. ‘Mind Control’ is one of that CD’s that the more you hear it the more you like it; a diamond in the rough. Recommended.

Emmanuel Creis - Vocals, Guitars
Mael Saout - Guitars
Stephane Huon - Bass
Fanch - Drums
Jorris - Keyboards