"I've always considered Shadow Project to be a sequel to Christian Death since, in my opinion, Christian Death was over once Rozz left Valor and co. More so, this album can be considered a sequel to the great "Only Theater Of Pain." On this album, Rozz returns to his noisy and heavier origins. With the strong Hardcore (as in agressive punk) and Metal influences here, Shadow Project definitely reflects the heavier side of Gothic Rock. This would probably be a perfect album to convert a mansonite or a poser.
The band is also made up of Deathrock royalty. Rozz's vocals are melodramatic (in a VERY good way), Eva's guitars are heavy, inventive and sinister (lots of Black Sabbath influence) and her strange voice makes for some perfect backing vocals. Also, Paris' keyboards really put the Gothic into the Rock on this record. Spooky stuff.
The early 90's were something of a dead period for Goth and Deathrock, but Shadow Project definitely played a part in bringing the scene into the modern era. Also, for those thinking that synthpop, EBM and dark electro is all that Goth is about, remember Shadow Project. This is a 100% Rock 'N' Roll album."
"Yeah this album does sound pretty crazy, but it also is very good. Good vocals by Rozz and extraordinary lyrics combined with Eva O's guitaring, how could you go wrong? I have to admit,Eva O's songs are Not as great as Rozz's,and that is the only drawback about Shadow Project- Eva O wrote too many damn songs!I would have liked to see a whole Shadow Project album with all songs written by Rozz or him and Eva combined, but about half of this album is written by Eva O. But considering the fact that Rozz does vocals even for Evas songs is a real plus. There is also a cover of Bowies HolyHoly which is very nice. With all that said, this album definitely deserves 5 stars, and if you like Rozz,get it,or if you like death rock you must pick this up."
Debut of the definitive death rock masters simply brilliant!
jbwestnorman | Norman, Oklahoma | 03/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First formed in 1989 by Rozz Williams and Super Heriones Death Rock Goddess Evangel ( that's Eva O. to YOU! )and then later recruiting keyboard/synth genius Paris, Shadow Project released this self titled gem in 1991 that, along with the second album
" Dreams for the Dying " ( released in 1992 ) is as every bit good as the masterpiece " Only Theatre of Pain ". Most people need to be reminded that SP is a Rozz/Eva O./Paris COLLABERATON; Eva being the principle sonwriter and lyric writer.
From the thunderous " Under your Wing " to brutal but graceful menace of " Death Plays His Role " and " Penny In A Bucket "
to pure sinister death rock like " Holy Hell " and " Lying Deep",
Eva proves herself a masterful guitarist and her thoarty alto blends well with Rozz's vocals despite what hardcore Gitane fans think ( although Gitane's a great singer ). Rozz contributes plenty here, too, though; " Red Handed " and " Epitaph " are meancing rockers with a nive Sabbath edge to them with Rozz's sensual goth voice. " Working On Beyond " and " Into the Light " are numbers originally written by Rozz Williams during the " Only Theatre " days but finally get on an album here. The former is a fast paced rock song with a quirky organ break by Paris and iresstiablely catchy vocals by Rozz and Eva; the latter a delicate piano driven ballad displying some of Williams' best lyrics and wonderful keyboard work by Paris.Speaking of whom: Paris is often the unsung hereo of this band and does get NEARLY enough recognition aas he should. His synth and piano work here is fantastic ( as well as the second album, EXP, and for those who don't know, Paris and Gitane DeMone did some work together briefly as well )and his errie lines are beautiful and haunting. the spoken word piece by Rozz Williams and Paris " the Other Flesh " with just Rozz's vocals, Paris' keys and some slight bass by Jill Emery is lovely and creepy at the same time.Get this album, " Dreams for the Dying ", the live album " In Tuned Out " and the acoustic " From the Heart " ( Rozz Williams' last recorded work ). A simply excellent band that is greatly missed. Kaenan James"
A Bizarre blend of the real and the imagination
Ric the Obscene (rotten1@soltec.net | Danville, IL | 07/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the debut effort by the outfit founded by ex-Christian Death founder, the late Rozz Williams. This CD provided a glimpse into the new generation of death rock that was beginning to surface in both the US and the UK. The play list shifts between haunting ballads and rocking anthems at a pace designed to tear at your mind. The CD closes with a very rousing rendition of Bowie's "Holy Holy", which is still capable of bringing the listener where angels fear to tread."
Brilliant..
Bryan | 01/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shadow Project's debut album is excellent. Fantastic song writing,dark,errie there is so many good qualities to this CD.
Rozz and Eva O. makes a perfect team. I highly reccomend this album."