about Holy Ground (October 2005) - back to mediapage

Shady Lane knows that the first few seconds of any four track demo are essential. Opening track 'Holy Ground' draws attention from the first note on; the track is cleverly structured. The excessive intro slowly declines into atmospheric, slightly mellow melodies that are build up to a nice climax with just over the top vocals. The guitar riffs take this progressive track one step further, just touching metal. My guess is that Pocupine Tree fans should definitely check this one out. Fragile is the well chosen title of the second song on the EP. A delightful opening evolves into Toolish melancholia: impressive.

'The Deep End' is a song that doesn't catch on easily (actually it doesn't catch on at all) and shows the alternative side of Shady Lane. The vocals are somewhat in disharmony with the music and just this delicate balance proved of great importance in the first two tracks. Jet again, the rhythm section is very solid so there's enough to enjoy. The sound and the production is absolute first class, especially considering the fact that this is 'just' a four track demo. I'm impressed with this release and I'm sure I won't be the only one! Shady Lane has great potential.