Shadow Gallery

Shadow Gallery
Shadow Gallery performing in Tannersville, PA, Sept 5, 2010. Left-to-right: Carl Cadden-James, Brian Ashland, and Brendt Allman. Not visible: Gary Werhkamp, Eric Deigert, and Joe Nevolo.
Background information
Also known as	Sorcerer (1985-1991)
Origin	Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States
Genres	Progressive metal, progressive rock
Years active	1985–present
Labels	InsideOut Music
Associated acts	Amaran's Plight, Ayreon, Explorers Club, MullMuzzler, Star One
Members	Carl Cadden-James Brendt Allman Gary Wehrkamp Joe Nevolo Brian Ashland
Past members	Mike Baker Kevin Soffera Chris Ingles Libby Molnar

Shadow Gallery is an American progressive metal band formed in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States, during the early 1980s, originally under the name 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 European-American independent label InsideOut.

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), and in return Shadow Gallery members have contributed to LaBrie's side projects (such as Mullmuzzler).

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 neo-classical and symphonic metal.

On October 29, 2008, lead singer Mike Baker died of a heart attack at age 45.

Shadow Gallery combines musical influences from virtuoso guitarists as well as progressive rock bands such as Rush, Pink Floyd, and Dream Theater. The band displays heavy metal influences from outfits Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, 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, Type O Negative and Nine Inch Nails. "