Interviews About Albums: Shady Lane - There And Back (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Italian Melodic Metal/Progressive Metal band Shady Lane to ask questions about their album, "There And Back".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Salvo: There and Back is our official debut album. It's a mixture of melodic progressive metal, very much inspired by bands like DT, Fates Warning, Queensryche, Vanden Plas, Elegy, to name a few

It has recently been released by Underground Symphony Records, mixed and mastered by Mat Stancioiu (Labyrinth, Vision Divine, etc.) and it is available both as a deluxe digipack and, of course, on the main digital stores

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Luca: The title sums up the essence of the concept: the physical journey made by the protagonist in search of a longed-for truth is counterbalanced by his inner journey to find peace

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Salvo: I composed all the music; Luca wrote the storytelling of the concept, and Roby wrote the lyrics and the vocal melodies. Antony helped me with the arrangements. As you can see, everyone in Shady Lane has a fundamental role, so it's real teamwork

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Salvo: I go with Seasons, not the easier one, but it has all of our main spices... very proggy

Luca: I would say 'The City', for its immediacy, albeit in the full prog spirit!

Antony: I’d say Seasons because of its prog spirit and the powerful chorus

Roberto: The City is the very first I sang in Shady Lane, so maybe that one!

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Luca: I would say, through the vicissitudes of the protagonist, an invitation to face one's fears, one's limits....

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Salvo: Because the album is a concept, I’d say that the whole thing has a meaning to us, and we hope for the listeners. It’s very difficult to share just a part of it. The actual CD contains a nice booklet with a kind of introduction to every song, in order to better follow the story.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Roberto: Personally, I think there are many references to our personal lives in the lyrics. As for musical influences, we can look to the big names of the '90s progressive metal scene, such as Queensryche, Fates Warning, Vanden Plas, and Dream Theater.

Antony: I’d like to thank Ilaria for the patience and support! My key arrangements are mostly inspired by the legendary Symphony X, both for the tones and melodies

8. Something to add?

Roberto: We would like to thank you for your attention and support. We invite your readers to listen to our album and follow us. The second act of this adventure will arrive soon, and we hope for some live dates as well.