Shadow Gallery was formed in the late eighties, with several members playing in an earlier band called Sorcerer. Eventually a demo tape found its way to Mike Varney, head of Shrapnel Records and at that time putting together a new progressive record label, Magna Carta. SG became the second band to sign to the new label (Magellan was the first), and starting with their self-titled album in 1992, have released four albums to date on the label, solidifying their place as a standout melodic progressive metal band. On Tyranny (the band's third, released in 1999), the focus is less on flashy technical musicianship (though their playing is exemplary, and they do occasionally let loose, such as on "Stiletto In The Sand") and more on sweeping, melodic arrangements, with a style roughly akin to what Zak Stevens-era Savatage was doing a few years ago. Shadow Gallery have a stellar reputation amongst prog rock fans as one of the best in their field, a reputation well deserved. Sadly, vocalist Michael Baker passed away in the fall of 2008.