Music, like everything in our world, must evolve or face extinction. Ensuring the survival of its own darkened realm of metal is Philadelphias own Shadowdance. Crushing riffs, blinding speeds, exotic textures and classical melodies are only a few of the tools used by this most intense of power metal bands to offer a new perspective on the genre. Shadowdance takes the heaviness and aggression of American power metal and fuses it with the speed and epic bombast of the European style. Twist in subtle hints of everything from Black Metal to Progressive to Latin Jazz music and you begin to see what sets Shadowdance apart from their peers. Every song is masterfully imbued with its own personality and flair. No two songs sound alike, yet there is a common stylistic edge that links them. Lyrically, they weave intricate stories based on real life and the hardships that can come with it; stories that anyone can relate to.
After a variety of diverse projects in the late nineties, guitarist Carlos Alvarez put together a batch of songs with a notion of total artistic freedom. With the help of friends from within the Philadelphia metal community, Alvarez financed and recorded Shadowdances multi-faceted debut cd Ageless (released 2001), which has received critical acclaim both domestically and abroad. Vocalist George Eliassen, who had shared the stage with Alvarez in their previous band Cipher, joined a few months later. With an undeniable vocal talent and extensive band experience, including two years of session work in Japan, Eliassen expertly projects the wide range of emotions that Shadowdances music represents. Shadowdance was handed a blessing in meeting relative newcomer and unknown Jason Fox after the departure of original bassist Brad Stuart. A brief period of searching and auditioning took place but it was Jason who ultimately proved and impressed with his abilities. There have been few bass players who have managed to handle the monstrous 5 string duties with such ease but Jason Fox has proven himself an incredible talent with his deft, precision handling of the complex and often daunting bass lines that are so vital to every composition. The newest addition to Shadowdance is drummer Jay Horvath. Capacious with the challenging tempos and rhythms of the complex material, Jay also draws influence from a diverse musical background which he subtly uses to enhance the overall texture of the bands sound. This talented line-up has enabled Shadowdance to embark on a new journey of creativity while helping to bring a complete sense of focus to the ever-expanding sound of the band.
Shadowdance took their music to the masses as they went on the road as part of the Crash Music Tour featuring some of the labels top artists. Being a part of this tour was an invaluable experience as it showed the band developing into a powerful live force. With dynamic, high-energy performances night after night they won many new fans as well as the respect of their peers.
With a full slate of new material in addition to the proven works on Ageless, the band is once again ready to enter the recording studio. The impressive quality and originality of this formidable group has captured the attention of metal connoisseurs world wide, including those in the recording industry. Currently considering offers from domestic and international labels, they are putting the finishing touches to their newest batch of songs in preparation. It is with this that you, the listener, are invited to share in the musical vision of Shadowdance.
Music Style
BIOGRAPHY
Prog/Power Metal
DISCOGRAPHY
Future Negative Fantasy TBA 
Another Look 2004
BAND MEMBERS
George Eliassen
VOCALS
Carlos Alvarez
GUITAR/KEYS
Jason Fox
BASS
Jay Horvath
DRUMS
