They are also veterans of festivals across Europe and America – including Bloodstock in the UK.
Now they’re back with powerful new frontman Matt Oakman – and ready to rip it up.
Shadow Keep were formed in 1999 by guitarists Chris Allen and Nikki Robson. That October, with vocalist Rogue M, they recorded a six-track EP at Thin Ice Studios, produced by Threshold guitarist Karl Groom. Their opus Dark Tower became the opener on a German mag’s CD for unsigned bands – and gained them a record deal with Limb Music Productions in June 2000. Two albums, Corruption Within and A Chaos Theory, followed to huge acclaim. The band soon gained support slots with Ronnie James Dio, Halford, Symphony X, Dream Evil plus Flotsam And Jetsam. These major shows led to appearances at festivals in the UK, America, Germany and Holland. Their touring had one benefit – the arrival of Texas bassist Stony Grantham. But other line-up changes held things up. Undeterred, ShadowKeep started work on third album The Hourglass Effect – again with Karl Groom at Thin Ice. The sessions produced some of Chris and Nikki’s most creative songwriting.
The Kether's Syndrome
Shadow Keep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I respect innocence
Virgin minds call for freedom
I merely opened the door
I failed my life and I failed others
If only they'd wash away my words...
The lyrics of Shadow Keep's song The Kether's Syndrome appear to describe the inner turmoil and regret of the singer. The opening line, "I swear I never meant to hurt," suggests that the singer may have caused harm to others unintentionally. However, the next line, "I respect innocence," indicates that the singer recognizes the value of purity and goodness. The following line, "Virgin minds call for freedom," suggests that the singer may have exposed someone to something new or different, possibly with the intention of liberating them. However, the final line, "I merely opened the door," suggests that the singer may feel guilty for potentially corrupting or leading someone astray.
The second verse suggests that the singer may have made mistakes in their life that have caused harm to both themselves and others. The line, "I failed my life and I failed others," suggests that the singer may feel responsible for their own missteps as well as the pain they have caused others. The final line, "If only they'd wash away my words," suggests that the singer may feel regretful for their actions and wishes that they could be undone.
Overall, The Kether's Syndrome appears to explore themes of regret, guilt, and the unintentional harm that can come from even well-intentioned actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I swear I never meant to hurt
I make a sincere promise that I never intended to cause harm.
I respect innocence
I hold in high regard the purity and lack of wrongdoing in a person.
Virgin minds call for freedom
People who have not been exposed to certain experiences crave autonomy and independence.
I merely opened the door
I simply provided access to something that was previously unattainable.
I failed my life and I failed others
I have disappointed not only myself but also those around me.
If only they'd wash away my words...
I wish that those affected by my actions could forget the words I have spoken and the pain they have caused.
Contributed by Kylie F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.