Editing Shadow Gallery

{{Short description|American progressive metal band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Shadow Gallery
| image = Shadow Gallery.jpg
| caption =  Shadow Gallery performing in [[Tannersville, Pennsylvania]], in September 2010. Left to right: Carl Cadden-James, Brian Ashland, and Brendt Allman. Not visible: [[Gary Wehrkamp]], Eric Deigert, and Joe Nevolo.
<!-- If anyone has a good, free image of the full band, you may replace this with it.-->
| image_size = 300
| landscape = Yes
| background = group_or_band
| alias = Sorcerer (1985–1991)
| origin = [[Lehigh Valley]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| genre = [[Progressive metal]], [[progressive rock]]
| years_active = 1985–present
| label = [[Inside Out Music|Inside Out]]
| current_members = Carl Cadden-James<br>Brendt Allman<br>[[Gary Wehrkamp]]<br>Joe Nevolo<br>Brian Ashland
| past_members = [[Mike Baker (singer)|Mike Baker]]<br>Kevin Soffera<br>Chris Ingles
}}

'''Shadow Gallery''' is an American [[progressive metal]] band formed in the [[Lehigh Valley]], [[Pennsylvania]] during the early 1980s. It was originally called '''Sorcerer'''. After changing their name to Shadow Gallery, taken from the [[graphic novel]] ''[[V for Vendetta]]'' by [[Alan Moore]], and recording a short 8-track demo, the band was signed to [[Magna Carta Records]] in 1991. Shadow Gallery's eponymous debut was released the following year in Japan and [[Europe]]. In mid-2005, Shadow Gallery released their fifth studio album, ''[[Room V]]'', on the [[Europe]]an-American independent label [[Inside Out Music|Inside Out]].

The band has been compared to contemporary progressive metal bands [[Dream Theater]] and [[Symphony X]]. The members of Shadow Gallery have also collaborated with other progressive metal bands. Dream Theater's [[James LaBrie]] contributed backing vocals to the song "I Believe", which appeared on Shadow Gallery's 1998 album, ''Tyranny'',<ref name="dprp.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.dprp.net/specials/2005_shadowgallery/|title=DPRP Specials : Gary Wehrkamp - Shadow Gallery : Interview 2005|website=Dprp.net}}</ref> and in return Shadow Gallery members have contributed to LaBrie's side projects, including [[MullMuzzler]].<ref name="Shadow Gallery - History">{{cite web|url=http://shadowgallery.com/index.php?topic=History|title=Shadow Gallery - Welcome to Shadow Gallery|website=Shadow Gallery}}</ref>

Shadow Gallery songs, often in the context of a concept album or story, are frequently long with extended instrumental pieces in the middle. For diversity, their music is heavy at times and mellow at others, sometimes incorporating elements of [[neoclassical metal|neoclassical]] and [[symphonic metal]].

On October 29, 2008, lead singer [[Mike Baker (singer)|Mike Baker]] died of a heart attack at age 45.<ref name="Blabbermount.net">Mike Baker's Death [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=108016 Blabbermount.net] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103070553/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=108016 |date=2008-11-03 }} Accessed October 31, 2008</ref>

==History==
===1985–1991: As Sorcerer===
Sorcerer originally consisted of [[Mike Baker (singer)|Mike Baker]], Carl Cadden-James, Ron Evans, and John Cooney. The ensemble began as a cover band, particularly interested in covering difficult to play songs by artists such as [[Yngwie Malmsteen]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]]. In 1985, guitarists Chris Ingles and Brendt Allman joined the band, with Ingles immediately switching to keyboard duties. At this time, Ron Evans departed in order to pursue other musical interests and goals.<ref name="Shadow Gallery - History"/>

===1991–1998: Debut and ''Carved in Stone''===
After changing their name to Shadow Gallery and recording a short 8 track demo, Mike Varney eventually signed them to Magna Carta records on August 23, 1991 as the label's second contract (the first having been [[Magellan (band)|Magellan]]). The record label's objective had been "..to bring a fresh breath of progressive rock to an audience who was subdued by larger record companies quest for typical commercial music".<ref name="Shadow Gallery - History"/> Impressed with Shadow Gallery's initial demo, Varney suspected the band could help fulfill this objective.

Shadow Gallery's [[Shadow Gallery (album)|eponymous debut]] was released the following year in Japan and [[Europe]]. However, before the arduous commitments of a supporting tour and a new studio album, the band needed to secure a stable lineup. April 1993 saw the recruitment of guitarist/keyboardist [[Gary Wehrkamp]], originally of the band The Boxtops. Another lineup addition followed in April 1994 with drummer Kevin Soffera. With this new solidified lineup, Shadow Gallery released its second studio recording on July 11, 1995, titled ''[[Carved in Stone (Shadow Gallery album)|Carved in Stone]]''. However, time constraints and other commitments precluded the band from touring in support of both albums.

===1998–2001: ''Tyranny''===
''Carved in Stone'' was followed up by their 1998 release, ''Tyranny'' with drummer Joe Nevolo replacing Kevin Soffera. The album is a deeply political [[concept album]], with themes including the nature of [[war]] and the [[military-industrial complex]]. ''Tyranny'' is also notable for the contributions made by a number of guest musicians. Beyond James LaBrie's vocal contribution to "I Believe," [[D. C. Cooper]] (vocalist of [[Royal Hunt]]) contributed vocals to the track "New World Order," and violinist Paul Chou made a guest appearance on the tracks "Spoken Words" and "New World Order," with the former featuring a duet between Mike Baker and Laura Jaeger.<ref name="dprp.net"/> Shadow Gallery would return the favor to LaBrie in 1998 when Allman, Cadden-James, Wehrkamp and local musician/songwriter Gary Sloyer appeared on and aided in LaBrie's musical side project, [[Mullmuzzler]]. Their debut record, ''[[Keep It to Yourself (album)|Keep It to Yourself]]'', was released by Magna Carta in the Summer of 1999."<ref name="Shadow Gallery - History"/>

===2001–2005: ''Legacy''===
On April 10, 2001, the band released their fourth studio album, ''Legacy'', which would prove to be their last under Magna Carta Records. While this album was released in between ''Tyranny'' and ''Room V'', it had no relation to the ongoing narrative of the two albums, instead forming a collection of independent songs. The album was met with generally favorable reviews,<ref>A review of Legacy by Duke Egbert from The Daily Vault: {{cite web |url=http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=20050615214537498 |title=Shadow Gallery - Review of Legacy from the Daily Vault |access-date=2006-12-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102130145/http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=20050615214537498 |archive-date=2007-01-02 }}</ref><ref>A Review of Legacy from Carol Dellinger of Rock Authority: {{cite web |url=http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=20050615213954492 |title=Shadow Gallery - Review of Legacy from Rock Authority |access-date=2006-12-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103040908/http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=20050615213954492 |archive-date=2007-01-03 }}</ref> for example ''Screaming in Digital'' wrote that:

{{blockquote|"Legacy is more progressive, artistic and technical than the band's previous work, although there are a couple nods to the possibility of mainstream radio airplay. It exhibits the well-balanced sound and highly polished production they're known for, with flawless instrumental work and vocals that, while not as emphasized as those of Geoff Tate or James LaBrie, are clear, emotional and perfectly suited to the music. It's not a sequel to Tyranny any more than Empire was a sequel to Operation: Mindcrime, but it's definitely some of the better music out there."|excerpted from a review by Dan Birchall of ''Screaming in Digital''}}

===2005–2008: ''Room V''===
On May 30, 2005 (Europe) and June 7, 2005 (USA) Shadow Gallery released ''[[Room V]]'', the band's fifth studio album and its first under new record label [[InsideOut]] and also the first album without Chris Ingles. It is a concept album, which continued the narrative set out in ''Tyranny''. The album included Jaeger returning to perform a vocal duet on "Comfort Me."

Included as a limited edition, the band also released a second disc. In addition to a multimedia segment titled ''The Story of Room V'' (that can be accessed on a computer's [[CD-ROM]]) the album contained five extra tracks, including a Joe Nevolo drum solo ("Joe's Spotlight"), an unreleased demo (entitled "Memories"), an acoustic version of ''Room V'''s "Rain", and a long medley covering many [[Pink Floyd]] songs titled ''Floydian Memories''. This track is particularly notable, as it features [[Mark Zonder]] performing drums on the "One in a Crowd" portion of the medley, as well as [[Arjen Lucassen]] performing guest vocals and the "Shine On" guitar solo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockreviews.org/reviewpage.php?ID=319|title=Music review|website=Rockreviews.org}}</ref>

===2008–2009: Baker's death and ''Digital Ghosts''===
According to an email sent to the Shadow Gallery News email list on October 31, 2008, Baker died after suffering a heart attack on October 29, 2008 at the age of 45.<ref name="Blabbermount.net"/> Despite the death of Baker, Shadow Gallery continued, and their latest album, [[Digital Ghosts]], was released on October 23, 2009 in Europe with new vocalist Brian Ashland. Wehrkamp stated on Shadow Gallery's [[MySpace]] page:

{{blockquote|Shadow Gallery will continue. We will finish this record and make it as potent as it can be. There are some questions to be answered, but we feel confident we will be provided with the answers. The band has read so many of the wonderful heart touching comments, and heard from so many people these past two weeks and we look forward to giving the Shadow Gallery fans our very best, to honor them, and Mike.<ref>Shadow Gallery's future {{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=66583822&blogID=449726043 |title=Invalid Friend ID |access-date=2008-11-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110074815/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view |archive-date=2009-01-10 }} Shadow Gallery MySpace statement November 23, 2008</ref>}}

===2010–2013: Touring===
{{See also|Shadow Gallery#Live performances}}

===2014–present: Hiatus===
On September 3, 2014, Shadow Gallery responded to a question on their [[Facebook]] page regarding a new album with: "There is movement, creation, there is collaboration, preparation – words spin into music freely given, voices for the stories told, passion to share with strokes so tender, so bold – a new dream born of old. Days pass but we do not count, we are forever past the age of doubt. We will rise. We will rise. You whisper time and who will follow you?...We are working on it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/OfficialShadowGallery/|title=Shadow Gallery|website=Facebook.com}}</ref>

On November 29, 2015, Wehrkamp's home and studio was destroyed by fire. Shadow Gallery subsequently posted links to their [[Facebook]] page asking fans to donate money to nonprofit organization Mady's Angels to aid Wehrkamp and his family.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/OfficialShadowGallery/videos/10153457517678579/|title=A Message from Shadow Gallery|website=Facebook.com}}</ref> In addition, a benefit concert for the Wehrkamps was held at [[Sherman Theater]] on December 26.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/events/sherman-theater/a-home-for-the-holidays-benefit-concert/1660421960872254/|title=A Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert|website=Facebook.com}}</ref> Although Wehrkamp and his family have made a recovery since,<ref name="auto"/> it is unclear how this will affect the band's progress on the new album. In June 2016, the band's Facebook page featured new material in the making via short [[Periscope]] videos.

==Musical style==
===Influences===
Shadow Gallery combines musical influences from virtuoso guitarists, like as [[Jason Becker]] and [[Al Di Meola]], as well as [[progressive rock]] bands such as [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Yes (Band)|Yes]], [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]] and [[Pink Floyd]]. The band displays [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] influences from outfits [[Black Sabbath]], [[Iron Maiden]], [[Queensrÿche]] and [[Judas Priest]]. When interviewed on the subject, Gary Wehrkamp has also added that "The band likes everything from [[Tori Amos]], to old [[Metallica]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Gamma Ray (band)|Gamma Ray]], [[Type O Negative]], and [[Nine Inch Nails]]."<ref name="ram.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ram.org/music/articles/wehrkampinterview.html|title=Interview with Gary Wehrkamp of Shadow Gallery|website=Ram.org}}</ref>

==Live performances==
To the chagrin of long-time fans, the band waited until 2010 to perform live, despite having been together (as Shadow Gallery) since the early 1990s. When asked the question in one interview, Wehrkamp explained that "We have always been more a studio band than a performing band unfortunately, and while we rehearsed for a tour just before ''Tyranny'' was started, a few obstacles blocked our touring options, and we were locked back in the studio to make another record. I know there are many people who cannot understand why we haven't played in support of this record, and I can see why they feel that way, but honestly, it's very difficult."<ref name="ram.org"/>

In a more recent 2005 interview, he cited the band's various side projects as a reason, stating that "I truly think that it will maybe never happen as we all have full diaries, families, full time jobs and mortgages... I for instance give lessons and I play in 2 other bands... But we will seriously consider it this time, as it will be very difficult to get all the guys of the band together to go on tour. Besides it was never our intention in the first place to do live gigs as SG is most and for all a real studio band. Maybe, some day, never say never…."<ref name="dprp.net"/>

On December 17, 2009, it was announced on the band's website they were going to make their first live appearance on the Triton Power Cruise (along with nine other bands), which was set to sail April 30 to May 3, 2010, from [[Miami]], [[Florida]]. However, in February the [[Cruise ship|cruise]] was cancelled due to an extreme medical crisis within the promoter's family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135798 |title=Blabbermouth.Net - Triton Power Cruise Cancelled |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405082158/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135798 |access-date=2020-03-06|archive-date=2010-04-05 }}</ref>

On April 17 of 2010, Shadow Gallery announced on their website they will be the headliner on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at [[ProgPower Europe]] in [[Baarlo]], Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowgallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=94:shadow-gallerys-performance-at-prog-power-europe-2010&amp;catid=1:latest-news&amp;Itemid=86|title=Shadow Gallery - Welcome to Shadow Gallery|website=Shadow Gallery}}</ref> On July 20 a local show in [[Tannersville, Pennsylvania|Tannersville]], Pennsylvania, on September 5, 2010 at Barley Creek Brewing Company was announced. This will become the band's debut show and the opening band will be [[New Jersey]]–based progressive metal act [[Suspyre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowgallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=96:shadow-gallery-live-at-barley-creek&amp;catid=1:latest-news&amp;Itemid=86|title=Shadow Gallery - Welcome to Shadow Gallery|website=Shadow Gallery}}</ref>

On the same day a statement appeared on the band's website saying they would embark on a two-week European tour starting with the ProgPower Europe show on October 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowgallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97:shadow-gallery-european-tour-in-october-2010&amp;catid=1:latest-news&amp;Itemid=86-shadow-gallery-announces-european-tour|title=Shadow Gallery - Welcome to Shadow Gallery|website=Shadow Gallery}}</ref> The tour is called the "Shadow Gallery Live: 2010 Tour" and is sponsored by Greek concert promoter Warcry Entertainment Group. Support act during most of the shows will be the Greek modern rock band Maplerun. Although all band members have performed live onstage before in other bands this will be the first tour in 20 years of their career as Shadow Gallery.

In the weeks following the initial announcement more tour dates were confirmed and as of August 23, 2010, the final European tour schedule is listed as:
* October 2, 2010 – ProgPower Europe Festival – Baarlo, Netherlands
* October 3, 2010 – House of Progression – [[London]], England
* October 4, 2010 – Nouveau Casino – [[Paris]], France
* October 6, 2010 – Alcatraz – [[Milan]], Italy
* October 8, 2010 – 8Ball – [[Thessaloniki]], Greece
* October 9, 2010 – Stage Club – [[Larissa]], Greece
* October 10, 2010 – Kyttaro – [[Athens]], Greece
* October 14, 2010 – MMC Club – [[Bratislava]], Slovakia
* October 16, 2010 – Turock – [[Essen]], Germany
* October 17, 2010 – Biebob – [[Vosselaar]], Belgium

In an interview with the band conducted on August 22, 2010, guitarist [[Brendt Allman]] answered a question about the probability of touring again after the European dates as follows: "It's tough to say because there's a lot of different things going on in a lot of people's lives, but if we can do it once, we can probably do it twice."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wpapu.com/int004.html|title=When Prog and Power Unite|website=When Prog and Power Unite|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718120041/http://www.wpapu.com/int004.html|archive-date=2011-07-18}}</ref>

The band has announced in 2013 that they will be playing live again. Their first announced headlining gigs are on May 5, 2013, at the U.S. progressive rock Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and on Friday, September 6, 2013, at the U.S. progressive metal festival ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia. The month following the band heads over to Europe to perform at [[ProgPower Europe]] in [[Baarlo]], Netherlands, on Friday, October 4. This will be Shadow Gallery's second headlining appearance at the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] progressive music festival and the band has stated they will play a special two hour set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shadowgallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120:shadow-gallery-heading-to-europe-headlining-progpower-europe&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=86|title=Shadow Gallery - Welcome to Shadow Gallery|website=Shadow Gallery}}</ref>

==Band members==
===Current members===
*Brendt Allman – [[guitar]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] <small>(1985–present)</small>
*Carl Cadden-James – [[Bass guitar|bass]],  backing and [[lead vocals]], [[flute]] <small>(1985–present)</small>
*[[Gary Wehrkamp]] – guitar, [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], [[piano]], backing vocals <small>(1992–present)</small>
*Joe Nevolo – [[Drum kit|drums]] <small>(1997–present)</small>
*Brian Ashland – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards <small>(2009–present)</small>

===Former members===
*Kevin Soffera – drums <small>(1994–1996)</small>
*Chris Ingles – piano, keyboards <small>(1985–2007)</small>
*[[Mike Baker (singer)|Mike Baker]] – lead vocals <small>(1985–2008; his death)</small>

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:90 top:10 right:20
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/2022
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1985
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1986

Colors =
 id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals
 id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars
 id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass,_flute
 id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_piano
 id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
 id:Bvocals value:pink   legend:Backing_vocals
 id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_albums

LineData =

 at:04/01/1992 color:black layer:back
 at:07/11/1995 color:black layer:back
 at:09/22/1998 color:black layer:back
 at:05/15/2001 color:black layer:back
 at:07/05/2005 color:black layer:back
 at:10/23/2009 color:black layer:back

BarData =

 bar:Mike text:"Mike Baker"
 bar:Brian text:"Brian Ashland"
 bar:Brendt text:"Brendt Allman"
 bar:Ron text:"Ron Evans"
 bar:Gary text:"Gary Werhkamp"
 bar:Carl text:"Carl Cadden-James"
 bar:Chris text:"Chris Ingles"
 bar:Ben text:"Ben Timely"
 bar:John text:"John_Cooney"
 bar:Kevin text:"Kevin Soffera"
 bar:Joe text:"Joe Nevolo"

PlotData=
 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
 bar:Mike from:start till:10/29/2008 color:Vocals
 bar:Brian from:06/01/2009 till:end color:Vocals
 bar:Brian from:06/01/2009 till:end color:Keys width:3
 bar:Brian from:06/01/2009 till:end color:Guitar width:7
 bar:Brendt from:start till:end color:Guitar
 bar:Brendt from:start till:end color:Bvocals width:3
 bar:Ron from:start till:01/01/1990 color:Guitar
 bar:Gary from:01/01/1994 till:03/01/2007 color:Guitar
 bar:Gary from:01/01/1994 till:03/01/2007 color:Keys width:7
 bar:Gary from:01/01/1994 till:end color:Bvocals width:3
 bar:Gary from:03/01/2007 till:end color:Guitar width:7
 bar:Gary from:03/01/2007 till:end color:Keys
 bar:Carl from:start till:end color:Bass
 bar:Carl from:start till:end color:Vocals width:3
 bar:Chris from:start till:03/01/2007 color:Keys
 bar:Ben from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/1992 color:Drums
 bar:John from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1994 color:Drums
 bar:Kevin from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1996 color:Drums
 bar:Joe from:01/01/1996 till:end color:Drums
}}

==Discography==
'''Studio albums'''
*''Shadow Gallery'' (1992)
*''Carved in Stone'' (1995)
*''Tyranny'' (1998)
*''Legacy'' (2001)
*''[[Room V]]'' (2005)
*''[[Digital Ghosts (Shadow Gallery album)|Digital Ghosts]]'' (2009)

'''Compilation albums'''
* ''Prime Cuts'' (2007)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Facebook}}

{{Shadow Gallery}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1985 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American musical sextets]]
[[Category:American progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Inside Out Music artists]]
[[Category:Magna Carta Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from Pennsylvania]]