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.
hey guys n dolls! I was on the road the other day and I listened to the whole album (i think it was the first one) and I think its bloody brilliant. I have to be in a special moode to listen to this kind of music but you guys have truely earnt alot more than credit!
Hey ShadOwplay, I got a certain CD in the mail today...it was ShadowPlay! It felt like it was Christmas! It has made this day such an awesome one for me, even though I have the flu - I was still cranking up your CD at home and in the car. Really enjoying it, especially liking 'faded' and 'the hour'. I'm so stoked to finally hear all the songs and I love the glossy booklet. This is just bloody awesome guys. I'll be letting people know about ShadOwplay. If you ever need a back up guitarist I play & would be up for it.
Hey ShadowPlay, thankyou very much for the add. Will you be playing in Melbourne anytime soon? Had to order my copy of ShadowPlay from NSW as we Melburnians have just bought every last one you sent over. Can't wait to hear the album, so far only heard samples on iTunes and the website.
I've been listening to your album non-stop since it arrived in the mail. I was really impressed, you guys are awesome! Make sure you let me know if you ever come to Melbourne!
Thanks for being a NEW FRIEND...!!!! luv you..and your page... I've enjoyed visiting your profile! and believe it or not ...just today been reading about you in Hammer mag!
Please...Do drop by very soon, I hope that you have a GREAT DAY TODAY!.... LUV, xxx.
