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Shadrane: Temporal
Progressive Metal/Rock
Rating: 4.75/5.0

www.shadrane.com
Lion Music
www.myspace.com/shadrane


The principal behind Shadrane is keyboardist Vivien Lalu, a successful TV and movie score composer in France. 'Temporal' is essentially concept album based on an original story by Lalu which takes place during WWII. (The story is interesting and involved; for more details visit the Shadrane web site here.) Lalu is joined by several others to fill out the core of the band including Joop Wolters on guitar and the legendary brothers rhythm section of Matt and Gregg Bissonette (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai).

Shadrane is beefed up by some additional hefty talent. The principal vocalist is Goran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen, Street Talk, Brazen Abbot) with additional contributions by Bjorn Jansson (Tears Of Anger, Ride The Sky, Beyond Twilight) and Henrik Bath (Darkwater) along with some backing vocals from Martin LeMar (Tomorrow’s Eve). Additionally, fellow Lion labelmate Marco Sfogli adds his guitar gusto on seven tracks, Alex Argento (Lalu, Marco Sfogli, Joop Wolters) and Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery) add some additional keyboards, and veteran drummer Virgil Donati (Cosmics, Planet X, Ring of Fire) sits behind the kit on four cuts. With such an exceptional line up, my expectations were very high. I was not disappointed in the least, so quickly to the music.

Musically, 'Temporal' swings the pendulum between melodic progressive metal and rock with a dash of power metal here and there. The beauty of 'Temporal' is not in pinning down the rightful genre for each song. No, the beauty is in the masterful compositions of Vivien Lalu. Though, because of Lalu's keyboard experience, you may expect the music to be heavily keyboard driven, it is not. Rather, the keys for a solid foundation, a single strong cord that holds the piece together. So then, the arrangements are varied and versatile with every player and instrument adding tremendous depth to the music. I was particularly impressed and pleased by 'Temporal,' 'Dance Of Solitude,' the signature track with some killer fret work, 'I Remember,' and 'Morpheus,' all which deliver the perfect progressive rock and metal. Equally impressive were the instrumental tracks like 'Requiem For A Rose,' 'Betrayal,' and 'Babies In The Bath.'

Shadrane's 'Temporal' is a significant accomplishment for Vivien Lalu and company. The composition and musicianship is superb and intriguing. This is a work that you will want to listen to over and over again just to savor its depth. Highly recommended.
   - Craig Hartranft

In Short

Vivien Lalu partners with some extremely impressive and versatile talent to create a signifcant work of progressive rock and metal.'Temporal' is vibrant and intriguing, a solid work.

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