1. Across The Universe
2. Renegades
3. Cry
4. Watching Over You
5. Are You Ready
6. Suzanne
7. Waiting For A Miracle
8. Stop Breaking This Heart Of Mine
9. Heaven Waits
10. Whatever It Takes
11. Justify
12. Party Is Over (Hidden/Bonus Track)

It has been seven years since the debut album by Shadowman, Land Of The Living, was released. The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock.

As you would expect, Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004.

Two years later in 2006, the eagerly awaited follow up, Different Angles, became an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder.

The unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland will always shine through at a very early stage.

Somehow they make their music sound effortless, and as we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range, which suits the classic melodic rock genre and he has a very bluesy side to his talent. His solo releases Breakaway and Diamond Dealer are both beautiful examples of his work.

Shadowman is a band that is all about great rock music who will win you over with charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn’t lost its way.

Ghost In The Mirror, the band’s third release in 2008 is an extension of the band’s already established sound, with some clever twists on the way.

Three albums under their belt, so how can the band hone that sound into something that little bit more special?

Enter Watching Over You, a brand new release for 2011. These boys just mature nicely as time passes and new songs like “Renegades”, “Waiting For A Miracle” and “Are You Ready” will set pulses racing.

Once again, Tommy Hansen is at the mixing desk, his capabilities need no introduction.

The powerful opener "Across The Universe" sets the stalls out and is the bench mark for the album.

Followed by "Renegades", which features some amazing guitar work from Steve Morris and great vocal harmonies.

"Cry" is the first of the album’s ballads, and something that gives Steve Overland the first chance to really show what a voice he's got, a song with a subtle bluesy edge.

Title track "Watching Over You" is a straight melodic rocker that relies heavily on the keyboards and has another huge chorus.

"Are You Ready" contains a killer hook, with Overland bringing that extra bit, turning good tracks into great ones.

One of my favorites has to be "Suzanne", which is a very upbeat, catchy tune!

Morris is more than happy to supply some nice keyboard work on "Waiting For A Miracle".

"Stop Breaking This Heart Of Mine" is a top class, gorgeous mid-tempo melodic ballad that really allows Overland to shine.

"Heaven Waits" has an interesting Eastern sounding melody adding to the album a good change of texture.

"Whatever It Takes" comes from the days when AOR roamed proudly. This track is just like FM at its best moments.

"Justify" is a huge melodic rock anthem to close the album properly, with a strong riff and a melody.

Hidden/bonus track "Party Is Over" is totally different from the rest of the material. It's really cool hear the band playing a funky-melodic rocker, featuring superbly multi-layered guitar work.

Certainly the best Shadowman album so far, that will be a top ten contender for 2011, make no mistake about that.

Highly Recommended.

Line up:
Steve Overland: Lead Vocals
Steve Morris: Guitars, Keyboards
Chris Childs: Bass
Harry James: Drums

www.escapemusic.com
www.overland-shadowman.com