What a tune! Rarely a CD intrigued me as much as "Reason Beyond Acceptance" by this great band. compared to their debut album from 1998 they now rather emphasize melody and emotional passages. They started a risky experiment by bringing Paul Delasco as a gues keyboarder, which almost makes the impression as if he would destroy the songs with his partly quite high-pitched(?) keyboard sounds when you first listen to the CD. But after enjoying it for several times even the weirdest tunes of the keyboard sound great. The star of the band is definitely singer Craig S., who gives the songs their unique mood. In the 4 years since the last release, he really incredibly worked on his voice. If I had to compare them to a band with a similar sound, I could only think of "Opposite Earth" and then reall y of nobody else. In the beginnings it the songs sometimes sound like "Fates Warning", sometimes like "Torman Maxt", "Auditory Imagery" or "Landmark." This CD is not for listening in the car or on your metal party. Sit back, relax, enjoy the musical atmosphere and let them take you into a different world. Then that's where SHADOW POINTE is from!

Holger
(Brighteyes.com)
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Combining skilled playing with socially aware lyrics, Shadow Pointe pays homage to some of the masters of thoughtful metal, like Queensryche and Dream Theater, by cultivating their own distinctive style while recognizing the elements that made others before them successful. Collectively, the works from the band's release Reason Beyond Acceptance paint a disturbing look at cancer and a society combating overpopulation and infestation, in much the same way Hollywood might tell a similar tale with pictures. If you like music that tells a compelling story, Shadow Pointe is definitely worth the attention of your ears.
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Shadow Pointe was born in the spring of 1998 and from those early days these guys have worked diligently to avoid being a “cover” band and to let their music stand completely on its own.

Hailing from Massachusetts this hard working band put out a Self Titled release but found themselves dealing with numerous band member changes.  Then the loss of one new member Chris Forte in a tragic accident forced the band into a much needed rest.

To say the “rest” was a success is a serious understatement.  Clearly these guys’ hearts and souls were poured into “Reason Beyond Acceptance” and it is clear from the first musical notes to the very last that this is a CD not to be taken lightly.

Reason Beyond Acceptance tells the story of a young man’s quest for answers.  As the world’s population lives longer and longer, it is clear that “over population” along with the rapid loss of the world’s resources may well be lead to mankind’s ultimate downfall.  So what might be the options?



Our “hero” is the only son of a middleclass family from any small town USA.  Things are normal until our hero is diagnosed with a rare incurable form of cancer.

Not to simply give up our hero utilizes his time and Internet access attempting to define his problem and look for any possible cures.  What he finds is a secret document noting his government’s creation of man made diseases and their cures (of which his cancer is one).  In effect, he has found out the governments plans for population control.

Our hero is then branded a criminal and must hide but must find a way to get the message out.

As luck would have it, he is caught trying to get the information to a sympathetic Senator.  They never get to speak but she did get his documentation.

Our hero dies locked away from the public eye.  The family grieves but in the end the father gets a call from the Senator who is now prepared to tell the world of the governments lies.

This CD ends so powerfully with the wonderful Ascension, a brilliant instrumental with raging guitars layered over a strong bass/drum rhythm as if once in Heaven, all truths are made clear.  For we all know God takes care of His own.

Musically this is excellent with hooks you could hang a Mack truck on, melody deep and wide with lyrics that rip at the heartstrings.  A powerful story in form and function in many ways like Queensryche’s phenomenal “Operation Mindcrime”.




Craig’s vocals are regularly piercing and strong while also being soft and whispery.  Crunchy guitars, ethereal keys, and a solid rhythm section.

This is high-class rock and roll at it’s very best.  These guys deserve a much wider audience and if this CD is just their beginning then hold on as their future has just begun.

I truly love this CD and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys music with quality players and a story line that brings chills to your soul.
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Reason Beyond Acceptance takes you to places where very few albums go these days.  This is only my personal opinion, but I have been a musician for over 20 years.  You can hear from the very first track that the members of SP are musicians and not just entertainers.  RBA is truly a foundation that this band will build upon. If you like Queensryche, Dream Theater, Rush, savatage, etc,etc, you will no doubt like Shadow Pointe.  RBA is a full concept album with great story lines and charecters. I do have my favorite track however. I Am The One is simply amazing. The vocals on this song will take you to new places. It's a hook no doubt.  Every instrument played on this album has it's own place. From the amazing keyboard's all the way to the awesome vocal range of thier singer.  You can no doubt tell that SP worked very hard and long on this album. I love it and highly recommend it to anyone.
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