(Melodic Progressive Metal) Lee Z - Shadowland (2006 Japanese Ed.) - 2005, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The story of LEE Z from Greven near Münster, Germany started in 1988 with the aim to play first class Progressive Rock. A record deal was soon arranged and the debut album "Primetime" - being produced by former MAD MAX drummer Uwe Starck - saw the light of day in 1989.

Original guitarist Manfred Kubillus and drummmer Jens Uwe Rahe had to leave the band due to problems with their schedules and were replaced by "Dixie" Voss on drums and Peter Pauliks on guitars. Their first album with LEE Z was called "Time Line" and hit the shelves in Japan.

The band's third album "Time Will Tell" was released in Germany on Inside Out/SPV in 1995 and again saw LEE Z massively touring. Another four years passed, the vocal job went over from Thomas Zink to Peter Pauliks and the band released "Alive" with the new singer. After the release of "Alive", the band split-up and each went his own way.

During the year 2004, LEE Z decided to give it another try and sent demos to various record companies. A deal with Escapi Music BV was announced shortly afterwards and resulted in the recordings of the comeback album "Shadowland", released in May this year (2005). The CD was produced by Michael Voss (CASANOVA) at Barfly Studios in Münster, Germany.

Musically, there's a nice change between calm and more rocking songs. The level of musicianship is high here and these guys can really compose beautiful melodies and create the right atmosphere. Vocally too, everything's alright, except maybe for a slight accent. Peter also reminds me a bit of Carsten from German powermetallers GALLOGLASS.

"Shadowland" starts in a rocking way with the title track, which is a very nice one and also seems to have an emotional touch. From 3:30 until 6:45 there's a beautiful instrumental part. Superb! After the even heavier "Enemy In Me", it's time to calm down a bit with "Cold Days". Two heavy but beuatiful songs follow, after which it's getting more quiet again with "Nights In Dover". The list goes on with nice songs, though they remain the 'heavy' area and we leave the "Shadowland" via the (instrumental) "Peaceful Lake".

Conclusion: recommended. If you're into ProgRock, then you must give this album a chance and more by adding it to your collection. There's not one bad song, fine musicianship, beautiful melodies, appropriate riffing, nice drumwork... Really worth it.

Peter "Pani" Pauliks - vocals
Thomas "Tommy" Zink - guitars, piano, organ and backing vocals
Matthias Rethmann - bass and programming
Dirk Brand - drums

Max Teschner - piano
Marco Minnemann - drums
Michael Voss - backing vocals
Mike Foerster - add. percussion