Discover the progressive blend of haunting vocal melodies, powerful rhythms, stirring choral and orchestral arrangements and evocative lyrics that is ShadowPlay.
ShadowPlay's arduous history has finally culminated in their debut full-length release, a dark yet inspiring soundscape for those who believe music is about imparting meaning to its listeners. You decide whether it was worth the wait!
Formed in Perth, Western Australia in 2000, the band underwent significant changes in 2002: the departure of rhythm guitarist Con Ongarezos, the addition of lead vocalist Alitia, and a name change from "Modus Vivendi" to "ShadowPlay".
The name change was more than cosmetic - it was the band reinventing itself: Between 2000 and 2002, Modus Vivendi regularly showcased their brand of Dream Theater / Queensryche inspired progressive metal to audiences across Perth. With ShadowPlay, the band wanted to broaden their musical horizon to incorporate female vocals, strong vocal melodies, harmonies and electronica.
In November 2002, ShadowPlay began writing and recording their debut album in Perth, Western Australia. The album was scheduled to be completed before the band relocated to Manchester, England in July 2003. Unfortunately, due to technical problems, the band left for Manchester without a finished product. Recording only resumed in September 2003, when their instruments arrived from Australia. The band played many gigs in Manchester, winning fans with their performances at legendary venues like Night and Day Cafe, Dry Bar and Jabez Clegg.
In 2004, the recording process was brought to a premature end. Due to personal reasons Uwe and Alitia returned home to Australia and in early 2005 due to visa restrictions Duane also had to leave the UK.
2006 saw the band working on the album with renewed vigour. This involved continuously sending new and updated material back and forth between Australia and England, where Linus currently lives. This was a necessary, but extremely tedious and time-consuming process.
Their debut release is the culmination of five years of dedication, determination and hard work. It has seen the band journey through an incredible range of emotions and personal experiences, strengthen friendships and overcome the tyranny of distance. The one thing that has kept them going all that time is the Music, their love for it and the desire to share it with the rest of the world. They now welcome you to enjoy it.