ALBUM:TYRANNY
ARTIST:SHADOW GALLERY
YEAR OF RELEASE:1998
RATING:*****

When asked who the best prog-metal bands are, the answer is usually Queensryche or Dream Theater. However, my answer is Shadow Gallery. Taking a step up from their previous release, they've released a prog album that not only caught my attention, but one that has worked it's way into my top 10 list with a speed only rivaled by Wake of Magellan and Nightfall in Middle Earth. Opening with speedy tracks "Stilleto in the Sand/War For Sale", continuing through a diverse range of styles, and closing with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra-ish "Christmas Day", Tyranny tells the story of a defense worker who sees his job for what it really is. Over the course of the story, the protaganist experiences first hand the results of his work, the death of his father, meets a love interest/like mind via the internet, and eventually takes action against his former employers, finally fleeing to a safe place to await his love's arrival with hope for a new future. Brilliant musicianship coupled with an excellent songwriting and an enthralling story make Tyranny one of my favorite albums, one that can be played at anytime without me tiring of it. Also of interest to prog-metal fans, Dream Theater's James LaBrie and Royal Hunt's DC Cooper both make guest appearances, on "I Believe" and "New World Order" respectively. Best of the best include "War For Sale", "New World Order", "Roads of Thunder", and "I Believe". Buy this album, and buy it NOW!

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