Shadowkeep

In October 1999, Shadowkeep recorded their debut six-track EP{{cite web |url=http://www.progressiveworld.net/shadowkeep4.html |title=Progressiveworld.net: Reviews by Bjørnar Bevolden |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102113922/http://www.progressiveworld.net/shadowkeep4.html |archivedate=2 January 2010}} Review of Shadowkeep EP at www.progressiveworld.net, May 2003 at Thin Ice Studios in Surrey, England, with Belgian vocalist Rogue Marechal (ex-Halcyon) fronting the band.{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/ShadowKeep.htm |title=Interview with Rogue M., vocalist for the UK band Shadowkeep – Interview at www.metal-rules.com, July 2000 |publisher=Metal-rules.com |date=26 January 2001 |accessdate=22 October 2011}} The EP was produced by Threshold guitarist Karl Groom. A record deal with Limb Music followed in June 2000, and the band went on to release two albums on this label: Corruption Within[https://web.archive.org/web/20001020224540/http://www.progressiveworld.net/shadowkeep.html Review of Corruption Within album at www.progressiveworld.net, September 2000] (in September 2000) and A Chaos Theory[http://www.billboard.com/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158#/album/shadowkeep/a-chaos-theory/560052/review Review of A Chaos Theory album] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105170952/http://www.billboard.com/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158#/album/shadowkeep/a-chaos-theory/560052/review |date=5 November 2012 }} at Billboard, 2003 (in 2002).

Shadowkeep's live debut was on 17 December 1999 at the Camden Underworld in London, supporting the band Dirty Deeds. Support slots followed with the likes of Dio,[http://www.lookatstubs.com/bands/ronnie_james_dio.htm – Archived concert details], Dio & Shadowkeep at Hof Ter Lo, Antwerp, Belgium on 3 May 2000 at www.lookatstubs.com Halford,{{cite web |url=http://oliviercordina.over-blog.com/pages/Archive_1996_2010-28431.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=15 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715024335/http://oliviercordina.over-blog.com/pages/Archive_1996_2010-28431.html |archivedate=15 July 2011}} Halford & Shadowkeep at Élysée Montmartre, Paris, France on 29 October 2000 – Archived concert details at Rock 'N' Tapas website Symphony X,[https://archive.today/20120911163024/http://www.rockersdigest.com/Article/21 – Gig review] Symphony X / Shadowkeep from The Mean Fiddler in London, England at www.rockersdigest.com, 18 October 2003 Angel Witch,[http://www.myspace.com/voiceoflucifer/photos/2452069#%7B%22ImageId%22%3A32084958%7D – Concert photograph and details] Angel Witch & Shadowkeep at The Cartoon venue in Croydon, England on 7 January 2000 at www.myspace.com/voiceoflucifer Dream Evil[https://archive.today/20130201162146/http://www.rockersdigest.com/Article/5/Dream-Evil – Gig review] Dream Evil / Falconer / Shadowkeep from Camden Underworld in London, England at www.rockersdigest.com, 27 September 2003 and Flotsam and Jetsam.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?Mode%3DSearch%26searchtext%3Dmetalfest%26PageNum%3D17 |title=Blabbermouth.net |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606234707/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?Mode=Search&searchtext=metalfest&PageNum=17 |archivedate=6 June 2011 }} ...Confirmed for Texas Metalfest – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 9 June 2004 These major shows led to appearances at festivals in the UK (including the first ever Bloodstock Festival in 2001),[http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/bands-profile.php?id=26 Profile of Shadowkeep] at official website for Bloodstock Open Air festival in Derby, England, June 2001 USA,[http://www.metal-reviews.com/tgos/bwbk2.htm – Review of festival appearance in Cleveland, Ohio] Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles Festival (Concert Review) at Ultimate Metal website, 4 June 2004 Greece,{{cite web|author=Holy Sword|url=http://www.up-the-hammers.gr/news_archive_uth4.html |title=Shadowkeep and Dream Weaver added to the line-up! – News article at Up The Hammers IV festival website, 26 October 2008 |publisher=Up-the-hammers.gr |accessdate=22 October 2011}} Germany{{cite web |url=http://www.home-of-rock.de/Konzertberichte/Festivals/Balingen/Vorbericht_28_bis_29_06_2002.html |title=Home of Rock - Festivals - Vorbericht BANG YOUR HEAD 2002 - the Odyssee continues |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719042940/http://www.home-of-rock.de/Konzertberichte/Festivals/Balingen/Vorbericht_28_bis_29_06_2002.html |archivedate=19 July 2011}} News article at German website about Shadowkeep's appearance at Bang Your Head festival aftershow, 28 June 2002[http://www.truemetalfan.org/kitIV.htm Review of Shadowkeep's appearance at Keep It True IV festival] at www.truemetalfan.org, 1 April 2005 and the Netherlands.[http://users.telenet.be/denofiniquitybe/revmmm2008.htm – Concert review] Mario's Metal Meeting 2 Festival, 2008 from Club 013 in Tilburg, the Netherlands at Den of Iniquity website, 9 November 2008 Unfortunately a planned appearance at the Monterrey Metal Fest in Mexico in 2005{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode%3DArticle%26newsitemID%3D33033 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - WARCRY, SHADOWKEEP Confirmed for Mexico's MONTERREY METAL FEST |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606234758/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33033 |archivedate=6 June 2011 }} Warcry, Shadowkeep confirmed for Mexico's Monterrey Metal Fest – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 17 February 2005 had to be cancelled when the band's drummer and singer quit at the eleventh hour.[http://www.bravewords.com/news/28574 "Shadowkeep issue apology for Monterrey cancellation; looking for a new singer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929000459/http://www.bravewords.com/news/28574 |date=29 September 2012 }} Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 5 June 2005 The band has since appeared at various festivals across Europe and the USA.

Shadowkeep have undergone numerous significant line-up changes over the years.{{cite web|url=http://www.truemetalfan.org/skeep.htm |title=Shadowkeep: Rising from the ashes – Interview with Nikki Robson, originally published in Headache magazine, February 2003 |publisher=Truemetalfan.org |accessdate=22 October 2011}} Mid-2012 saw the appearance of the band's tenth incarnation.

Jim Daley (who had previously played on Patricia Morrison's solo album Reflect on This){{cite web|url=http://www.patriciamorrison.co.uk/Interview.htm |title=Patricia Interview |accessdate=8 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308060932/http://www.patriciamorrison.co.uk/Interview.htm |archivedate=8 March 2012 }} Interview with Patricia Morrison by Allen Melrose, 2005 was the band's initial bass guitarist, but he was succeeded by Steve Scott{{cite web |url=http://www.rockforum1.net/rock-zone-f2/historia-t347-30.htm |title=2001: Shadowkeep introduce two new members, Steve Scott (bass) and Scott Higham (drums) – News article at www.rockforum1.net, 10 June 2009 |publisher=Rockforum1.net |accessdate=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724042048/http://www.rockforum1.net/rock-zone-f2/historia-t347-30.htm |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} (ex-Dragonheart and a founding member of Power Quest), then by Steve 'SK' Kightley (ex-Spirit Of Rush) and Fredrik Englund, before the arrival of Texas-based Stony Grantham[http://power-metal-music.site11.com/biography/shadowkeep/ Biography of Shadowkeep] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716075232/http://power-metal-music.site11.com/biography/shadowkeep/ |date=16 July 2011 }} at Power Metal Music website (ex-Terra Vast)[http://www.bravewords.com/news/13350 Shadowkeep – A Singer's Divine Ruins] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007024528/http://www.bravewords.com/news/13350 |date=7 October 2012 }} at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 7 May 2004 in time for the Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles Festival in Cleveland in 2004.[http://www.bravewords.com/news/19746 Shadowkeep seek video footage, photos...] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929000851/http://www.bravewords.com/news/19746 |date=29 September 2012 }} at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 8 November 2004 A short tour of Texas, with Ancient Cross in support,[http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=226235 Ancient Cross... chosen to support the 2005 Shadowkeep Texas tour] – Shadowkeep & Ancient Cross 2005 tour details at SoundClick website, 9 September 2009 was arranged for May 2005, as a result of Grantham's involvement with the band.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/intense/184789-shadowkeep-awaken.html |title=Shadowkeep awaken – Shadowkeep's 2005 touring schedule on www.intense-uk.com, 15 February 2005 |publisher=Ultimatemetal.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}} Grantham has remained a full member of Shadowkeep since 2004, but as he lives in the United States, substitute bass players have occasionally been taken on for rehearsals and live concerts in the UK and mainland Europe.

At the band's inception, Allen and Robson's former Sire colleague Russell King was drafted in on drums, but he was later replaced by Dave Edwards (ex-Pete Wadeson Band), then by Scott Higham{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=10699 |title=Shadowkeep seek new drummer – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 20 March 2003 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |accessdate=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606234810/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=10699 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead}} (ex-Angel Witch) and subsequently by Mauricio Chamucero.{{cite web |url=http://www.metaluk.com/news/displayNews.cfm?iNewsArticleID=4839 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030910114941/http://www.metaluk.com/news/displayNews.cfm?iNewsArticleID=4839 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 September 2003 |title=Shadowkeep unveil new line-up – News article at www.metaluk.com, 19 July 2003 |publisher=Metaluk.com |date=19 July 2003 |accessdate=22 October 2011 }} Divine Ruins' drummer, the late Mike Pittman, deputised for some US tour dates in 2003.{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/hellstrumstreetteam |title=Hellstrum Street Team on Myspace |accessdate=10 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015193653/http://blogs.myspace.com/hellstrumstreetteam |archivedate=15 October 2011}} Biography of Mike Pittman at Hellstrum's MySpace blog, 17 September 2007 Higham then briefly rejoined the band in early 2004,{{cite web|url=http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/News%20Archive%202004.html |title=Shadowkeep have begun recording for their third full-length album... – News article at www.mariosmetalmania.com, 16 May 2004 |publisher=Mariosmetalmania.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}} with New Zealander Lawrence Paterson replacing him for a short while later that same year.{{cite web |url=http://www.metaluk.com/news/displayNews.cfm?iNewsArticleID=7636 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050124124643/http://www.metaluk.com/news/displayNews.cfm?iNewsArticleID=7636 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 January 2005 |title=Shadowkeep lose drummer, gain festival – News article at www.metaluk.com, 2 November 2004 |publisher=Metaluk.com |date=2 November 2004 |accessdate=22 October 2011 }} When Paterson also moved on (joining first Chokehold, then Blaze Bayley's band, Rogue Male, Iron Knights, Raven Lord, Asomvel, I.C.O.N., Cris Martin's Rock Dawn[http://www.rockdawn.co.uk/ Cris Martin's Rock Dawn – official website] and Alcatrazz[https://vwmusicrocks.com/an-interview-with-larry-paterson-of-alcatrazz Interview with Larry Paterson of Alcatrazz] at VWMusicRocks.com, 4 January 2022), Mike Pittman again helped out temporarily,[http://users.telenet.be/mettal/ThoughtsOfMetal/news/2005/newsapril2005.htm Shadowkeep: Drummer leaves the band, no replacement yet – News item at Thoughts Of Metal website, 29 April 2005] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114025708/http://users.telenet.be/mettal/ThoughtsOfMetal/news/2005/newsapril2005.htm |date=14 January 2009 }} until Scott Higham took his place for a third stint in the band.{{cite web|url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/news/Shadowkeep_announce_new_members/5249/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315223640/http://www.tartareandesire.com/news/Shadowkeep_announce_new_members/5249/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=15 March 2012 |title=Shadowkeep announce new members – News article at www.tartareandesire.com, 20 October 2005 |publisher=Tartareandesire.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}} However, Higham departed once more, during the early recording sessions for the third Shadowkeep album, and joined Pendragon, with whom he was a bandmember until April 2014.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071109/http://www.silhobbit.com/mambo/content/view/82/101/ Pendragon announce new drummer]}} – News article at Silhobbit website, 20 March 2008

Omar Hayes (ex-Orphic Soop, The Delta Sun[http://www.myspace.com/deltasun The Delta Sun] at MySpace, 31 July 2005 and Epuldugger)[http://www.guilfest.co.uk/2005/html/about-the-bands-epuldugger.htm Biography of Epuldugger] at GuilFest 2006 website, 16 July 2005 became Shadowkeep's drummer in 2008; he joined the Guildford-based band Mikobi in late 2011,[https://www.facebook.com/mikobi.music?sk=info Mikobi – official Facebook website], 19 December 2011 but also remained part of the Shadowkeep line-up until 2013. In February 2013, former bandmember Scott Higham rejoined on a temporary basis. He was succeeded by Tim Churchman (who had previously played alongside Steve Kightley in Spirit of Rush and The Forge, as well as with Dec Burke in Darwin's Radio, and with John Jowitt in Ark). On 4 December 2013, Churchman was announced to have joined the NWOBHM band Soldier.https://www.facebook.com/soldiernwobhm Official Facebook page for Soldier (band), 4 December 2013 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}} Omar Hayes then rejoined Shadowkeep for the recording of their fourth album.

Founding vocalist Rogue Marechal departed Shadowkeep in late 2002. He resurfaced for a one-off performance with the band Balance of Power at the Rock The Nations festival in Istanbul on 6 August 2005.{{cite web |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/uk/balance+of+power |title=MusicMight :: Artists :: BALANCE OF POWER |accessdate=11 October 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225901/http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/uk/balance+of+power |archivedate=3 March 2016}} Biography of Balance of Power at www.musicmight.com Together with ex-Shadowkeep bassist Steve Kightley and guitarist Chris Van Hayden (ex-Biomechanical), he then went on to form a new band called Chaosgenesis,{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=71243 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908203821/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=71243 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 September 2012 |title=Former Shadowkeep singer resurfaces in Chaosgenesis – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 25 April 2007 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |accessdate=22 October 2011 }} adopting the name from a song on Shadowkeep's second album. His involvement in projects including Virtuocity, Prophecy and Poison Seed was to follow,[https://soundcloud.com/roguemvox Rogue Marechal – audio archive] on SoundCloud, May 2012 before his second stint in Shadowkeep, which lasted between 2012 and 2015.

Towards the end of 2002, former Sire{{cite web|url=http://metaltoinfinity.00freehost.com/InterviewSHADOWKEEP.html |title=Interview with Chris Allen at Metal To Infinity website, 26 November 2008 |publisher=Metaltoinfinity.00freehost.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}} and Angel Witch bandmember Richie Wicks took up the vocalist's position,[http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=1402&StartTime=9%2F25%2F2002+5%3A01%3A54+PM Shadowkeep has been joined by Richie Wicks...] – News article on www.KNAC.com, 10 October 2002 but within a few months he had left to concentrate fully on vocal duties with the Tygers of Pan Tang.[http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=34 Interview] with Robb Weir (guitar), Craig Ellis (drums) and Richie Wicks (vocals) of the Tygers of Pan Tang at www.metalcrypt.com, 21 November 2002 His replacement was US vocalist Ronnie Stixx (ex-Terra Vast, Byfist and Divine Ruins), with whom work began on a proposed third album, which would have different working titles at various stages in the process, including The Awakening, Ancient Prophecies and Beyond The Stratosphere.{{cite web|url=http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/News%20Archive%202004.html |title=Shadowkeep, who are at work writing their next album... – News article at www.mariosmetalmania.com, 23 January 2004 |publisher=Mariosmetalmania.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}}[http://www.bravewords.com/news/19510 Shadowkeep line-up finally complete] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929000920/http://www.bravewords.com/news/19510 |date=29 September 2012 }} – News article at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 2 November 2004 A two-track promotional CD featuring Stixx's vocals saw the light of day in 2005,[http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews2005.html#S Review of The Awakening promotional CD] at www.mariosmetalmania.com, April 2005 but further recordings were abandoned when Stixx left Shadowkeep later that same year.[http://www.bravewords.com/news/28636 Ronnie Stixx explains departure from Shadowkeep] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009112722/http://www.bravewords.com/news/28636 |date=9 October 2012 }} – News article at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 6 June 2005 He went on to front Wycked Synn,{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=44404 |title=Wycked Synn: Former Shadowkeep singer joins the fold – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 18 November 2005 |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |accessdate=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607005007/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=44404 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead}} Vicious Rumors,{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode%3DArticle%26newsitemID%3D102916 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - VICIOUS RUMORS to Tour Europe in the Fall |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606234814/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=102916 |archivedate=6 June 2011 }} Vicious Rumors to tour Europe in the fall – News article at Blabbermouth.net, 15 August 2008 Blood Red Skies,http://www.myspace.com/bloodredskiespowermetal Blood Red Skies at MySpace, 19 August 2006 Project Terror[http://www.bravewords.com/news/186639 Ronnie Stixx's Blood Red Skies change name to Project Terror] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223124754/http://www.bravewords.com/news/186639 |date=23 February 2014 }} – News article at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 9 July 2012 and Heaven Sent.[https://bravewords.com/news/former-vicious-rumors-vocalist-s-project-terror-changes-name-to-heaven-sent Former Vicious Rumors vocalist's Project Terror changes name to Heaven Sent] - News article at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles website, 21 June 2017 His vocals can be heard on the Divine Ruins album, Sign of the Times (released by Lone Wolf Records in 2004), and on the Project Terror albums, Absolute Power (released by Pure Steel Records in 2012),[http://www.puresteel-records.com/news/view/571/Ronnie_Stixx_BLOOD_REDSKIES_haben_Namen_zu_PROJECT_TERROR_geaendert Project Terror – Absolute Power album details] at Pure Steel Records official website, 22 July 2012 Conquistador (2014)[https://dangerdog.com/2014-music-reviews/project-terror-conquistador.php#.YGdj6ehKjIU Project Terror – Conquistador album review] at www.dangerdog.com, 23 September 2014 and Apocalypse Rising (scheduled for release in 2016).[http://bravewords.com/news/ronnie-stixx-project-terror-featuring-crimson-glorys-ben-jackson-to-release-apocalypse-rising-album-in-2016-first-details Project Terror – Apocalypse Rising album details] at www.bravewords.com, 19 October 2015 Stixx also has a career as an actor.[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7221751 Ronnie Stixx – Biographical details at imdb.com]

In late 2005, Richie Wicks returned and officially became Shadowkeep's frontman,[http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=18818 Shadowkeep frontman laying down vocals for new CD] – News article at www.metalunderground.com, 14 August 2006 and work recommenced on the third album, which would now be entitled The Hourglass Effect.[http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/richie_wicks.htm?root=14&keep_theme=Metal_Temple_com Interview with Richie Wicks from Shadowkeep] at www.metal-temple.com, 21 November 2008 The album is a conceptual piece, based around a time in the not-too-distant future when the sun is prematurely dying, and positing the subsequent effects that this phenomenon might have on the Earth's population.[http://www.empireonline.com/forum/tm.asp?m=389581&mpage=6 Shadowkeep updates] – News article at Empire online forum, 25 May 2006 The Hourglass Effect was eventually released on Dutch label Melissa Records in November 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/bands/details.cfm?bandid=2621 |title=Shadowkeep signs with Melissa Records – News article at www.metalunderground.com, 14 September 2008 |publisher=Metalunderground.com |accessdate=22 October 2011}} At this point a reviewer from the UK's The Sun newspaper described the band as, "The new New Wave of British Heavy Metal."

Richie Wicks departed the band in 2009. He went on to form a Dio-era Black Sabbath tribute band called Heavenly Hell,[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_8176/is_20100204/ai_n51813441/ Come on and feel the noise...] – News article in the Sevenoaks Chronicle newspaper about Richie Wicks & Heavenly Hell, 4 February 2010 before joining covers band No Way Out on bass, in March 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowayout.co.uk/weblog.htm |title=No Way Out official website post, 5 March 2011 |publisher=Nowayout.co.uk |accessdate=22 October 2011}} His replacement was Matt Oakman (formerly of Structured Chaos and Born of War),{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=139077019&blogId=520916398 |title=Invalid Friend ID |accessdate=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207065936/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view |archivedate=7 February 2009}} Welcome aboard SK, new vocalist Matt Oakman – Shadowkeep press release, 4 December 2009 who made his live debut with Shadowkeep at The Pipeline venue in London on 6 February 2010.[http://www.thepipelinebar.co.uk/events.php Live Bands: Raising Sand and Shadowkeep – Gig details at The Pipeline venue's official website, 6 February 2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605045917/http://www.thepipelinebar.co.uk/events.php |date=5 June 2010 }}

As of 2008–2011, keyboard player Scot Collins (ex-Tainted Grace) completed Shadowkeep's line-up. Collins has also been a member of the bands Duplex Gage[https://archive.today/20130122172757/http://www.famemusic.com/Duplex_Gage Biography of Duplex Gage] at Fame Music website, 11 November 2011 and Massive Ego.

Journalist Mark Fielden deputised for Stony Grantham on bass guitar during live shows on Shadowkeep's 'With Force We Come' UK tour in 2010. Grantham was obliged to remain in Austin, Texas at this time, due to ongoing commitments with other bands: Drifter[http://www.myspace.com/drifterlive Drifter] at MySpace, 4 September 2005 (an Iron Maiden tribute band, with Erika Tandy on vocals) and Sad Wings[http://www.myspace.com/sadwingstexas Sad Wings] at MySpace, 10 April 2006 (a Judas Priest tribute band, featuring vocalist Jason McMaster).

Shadowkeep played a co-headlining gig alongside Pythia at the Peel music venue in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England on 1 May 2010.[http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?s=f3012eefe7b865073ff7783f24ab3c58&showtopic=78082 Shadowkeep & Pythia gig details and promotional flyer] at www.basschat.co.uk, 1 May 2010

On 28 August 2010, the band appeared at the Bridgefest 2010 rock festival in Canning Town, which was headlined by Pagan Altar and Tygers of Pan Tang.[http://www.myspace.com/bridgefest2010/blog Official MySpace page for Bridgefest 2010]

Shadowkeep were chosen to headline the third day of the Fyreball Festival at the Westcoast Bar in Margate on 4 September 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/event/381012/Shadowkeep_New_Generation_Superstars_The_Westcoast_Margate_4_September_2011.html |title=Fyreball Festival details at www.allgigs.co.uk, 4 September 2011 |publisher=Allgigs.co.uk |date=4 September 2011 |accessdate=22 October 2011}} but this event was cancelled ahead of time when its promoter, Fyrelyte Events, ceased operations.[https://www.facebook.com/people/Fyrelyte-E-Vents/100001098793813?sk=wall#! Fyrelyte Events is no longer operating... No more gigs are being booked.] – Message posted on Fyrelyte Events's official Facebook page, July 2011 No further live appearances were forthcoming from Shadowkeep during 2011.

In March 2012, former Shadowkeep members Richie Wicks and Mark Fielden joined forces with Keith Herzberg (ex-Angel Witch), Gary MacKenzie (ex-Praying Mantis), Andy Blackwell and Jason Rice to form a classic metal tribute band called Black, White & Purple.[https://www.facebook.com/BlackWhitePurple Official Facebook page] for Black, White & Purple, 23 March 2012 During 2016, Wicks was frontman for a covers band called Snakebyte; as of 2021, he was a member of various bands, including Acoustica, Scavenger's Daughter, No Angel and (from 5 June – 6 September) Kev Riddles' Baphomet.[https://www.metaltalk.net/kev-riddles-baphomet-to-revisit-angel-witch-nwobhm-classics.php "Kev Riddles' Baphomet to revisit Angel Witch NWOBHM classics"] – News article on Metal Talk website, 5 June 2021

In April 2012, Chris Allen and Nikki Robson travelled to San Antonio, Texas, to meet up with Stony Grantham and to take part in a tribute concert for guitarist René Solis of the band Texas Trash, who died in January 2012. The gig took place on 7 April 2012, with the band Methuselah also on the bill.[https://www.facebook.com/events/331170583597746 Texas Trash live at Hot Shots] – Concert details on Texas Trash's official Facebook page, March 2012

In June 2012, Shadowkeep announced on their official Facebook page that original singer Rogue Marechal was to rejoin the band, and that work was to begin on the fourth Shadowkeep album.

On 16 July 2012, vocalist Matt Oakman officially departed Shadowkeep; he went on to join the bands Dangerous Breed, Gridlock and Stormborn (with whom he was a bandmember until 30 August 2019).

In February 2013, it was announced that Omar Hayes was no longer in Shadowkeep's line-up, due to his unavailability for upcoming festival dates. Taking his place for consecutive gigs at the Chameleon Music Bar in Grantham on 16 March 2013 (with The More I See and NWOBHM band Overdrive) and at the Wizzfest 2013 festival in Aalter, Belgium on 23 March 2013 was former bandmember Scott Higham, although this proved to be a temporary arrangement. Bassist Jack Kirby and keyboard player Tim Hall (from Overdrive) also guested with the band at their Grantham gig.

Shadowkeep performed at the Q's Entertainment venue in Redhill, Surrey on 7 September 2013, at the Little Devil venue in Tilburg on 13 September 2013 with Blitzkrieg, and at the Swordbrothers XII festival in Andernach on 14 September 2013 with Morgana Lefay and Rebellion.[http://www.ffm-rock.de/reviews-interviews/live-reviews/14488-swordbrothers-festival-xii-andernach-juz-live-club Review of Swordbrothers XII festival] on German website www.ffm-rock.de, 14 September 2013 Tim Churchman joined them on drums for this series of gigs. During 2014, Omar Hayes rejoined the band for recording sessions.

As of early 2014, the band were reportedly composing their fourth studio album, which was initially set to be recorded at Karl Groom's Thin Ice Studios during 2014 and 2015, with its release provisionally scheduled for 2016 or 2017. A live show (recorded in Belgium on 23 March 2013) was also being prepared simultaneously for a potential release on DVD, but this particular project did not come to fruition.

In late 2015, Rogue Marechal left the band before the completion of the fourth album, prompting a search for a new lead singer.

Bass guitarist Steve 'SK' Kightley temporarily rejoined Shadowkeep in the studio during 2016, with Stony Grantham continuing to be involved in writing and recording with the band. In 2016, Grantham also joined the long-running Texas-based band Byfist, with whom he recorded the album In The End, which was released on Pure Steel Records in September 2020.[https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2020/10/03/byfist-in-the-end Byfist – In The End] – Album review on Metal Express Radio website, 3 October 2020

In January 2017, it was announced that Helstar vocalist James Rivera was to join Shadowkeep and would record vocals for the band's fourth album.James Rivera to be part of SK new album – Announcement on Shadowkeep's official Facebook page, 25 January 2017 The eponymous album Shadowkeep was released on Pure Steel Records on 28 March 2018.[https://www.puresteel-records.com/news/view/4147/SHADOWKEEP_ShadowKeep_offiziell_veroeffentlicht Official release date of Shadowkeeep album] on Pure Steel Records website, 28 March 2018

A short promotional tour of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was arranged for March 2018, with concerts taking place in Osthessen (at the seventh Full Metal Festival,[https://www.fullmetal-osthessen.de/2018_shadowkeep Photographs of Shadowkeep at the Full Metal Festival, 3 March 2018] which was co-headlined by Accuser), and in Genk, Lens, Oldenburg, Lünen and Nijverdal.[https://www.puresteel-records.com/news/view/4065/SHADOWKEEP_erste_Livedates Shadowkeep – Live dates] announced on Pure Steel Records website, 8 February 2018

The band were due to return to the USA during October and November 2018, for a number of shows which were scheduled to take place in Texas with Nasty Savage;[https://www.nastysavage.com/past-events Details of Nasty Savage / Shadowkeep concerts in Texas at Nasty Savage's official website]: White Oak Music Hall in Houston – 9 November 2018 & Hellfest V in San Antonio – 10 November 2018 however, the UK-based members of the band were unable to travel to meet these arrangements. As Shadowkeep's scheduled appearance on 27 October at the 2018 Pure Steel Metalfest in Lakewood, Ohio similarly could not take place, James Rivera's Metal Asylum headlined the event on that date instead.[https://maximumthreshold.net/concerts/pure-steel-records-metalfest-the-foundry-oct-26-28th Details of 2018 Pure Steel Metalfest Line-Up] on www.maximumthreshold.net, 24 October 2018

In 2019, the progressive metal band Ark Ascent – featuring multi-instrumentalist and occasional stand-in bassist for Shadowkeep, Jack Kirby, alongside former Shadowkeep vocalist Rogue Marechal, DGM bassist Andrea Arcangeli and Sirenia drummer Michael Brush – released their debut album Downfall. Some of the tracks that were included on the album had initially been part of a collaborative project called Prophecy.[https://www.rockreport.be/albums/ark-ascent-downfall Review of Downfall album by Ark Ascent on www.rockreport.be, 27 September 2019]

During 2020, Shadowkeep alumnus Omar Hayes formed a psychedelic instrumental duo called The Hayabusa with guitarist Kenji 'Jammer' Suzuki. Their debut album Re-entry was released on 12 March 2021.[http://www.progplanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1273:re-entry-2&catid=12:cd-reviews&Itemid=1004 Review of Re-entry album by The Hayabusa at www.progplanet.com, 28 March 2021]

Since late 2021, former Shadowkeep vocalist Matt Oakman has been working with guitarist Robin Brancher (founder member of NWOBHM band Desolation Angels), as part of a project entitled DA.

Whilst Shadowkeep have been inactive since 2018, bass player Stony Grantham has continued to record and perform live in the USA with Byfist, and vocalist James Rivera has maintained a busy touring schedule with his other bands, including Helstar and James Rivera's Metalwave. Grantham and Rivera have also been involved in a recording project called Texas Metal Outlaws.[https://heavenandhellrecords.bandcamp.com/album/texas-metal-outlaws Texas Metal Outlaws - album details] on Heaven & Hell Records webpage, 26 October 2018

• Chris Allen – guitar (1999–present)
• Nikki Robson – guitar (1999–present)
• Stony Grantham – bass guitar (US; 2004–present)
• James Rivera – vocals (2017–present)

• Rogue Marechal (1999–2002 / 2012–2015)
• Richie Wicks (2002 / 2005–2009)
• Ronnie Stixx (2003–2005)
• Matt Oakman (2009–2012)

• Jim Daley (1999–2000)
• Steve Scott (2001)
• Steve 'SK' Kightley (2002 / 2016)
• Fredrik Englund (2003)
• Mark Fielden (2009–2011, UK live substitute)
• Jack Kirby (2013, UK live substitute)

• Russell King (1999)
• Dave Edwards (2000)
• Scott Higham (2001–2002 / 2004 / 2005–2008 / 2013)
• Mauricio Chamucero (2003)
• Mike Pittman (d. 27 August 2007) †{{cite web |url=http://www.drummerszone.com/news/newsItem.php?type=1&n01ID=5166 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=10 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719132154/http://www.drummerszone.com/news/newsItem.php?type=1&n01ID=5166 |archivedate=19 July 2011}} In memoriam: Michael Pittman (1962–2007) – Obituary for Mike Pittman at www.drummerszone.com, 29 August 2007 (2003 / 2005, US live substitute)
• Lawrence Paterson (2004–2005)
• Omar Hayes (2008–2013 / 2014–2018)
• Tim Churchman (2013)

• Scot Collins (2008–2011)
• Tim Hall (2013, UK live substitute)

• Corruption Within (2000)http://www.billboard.com/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158#/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158/review {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105170952/http://www.billboard.com/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158#/album/shadow-keep/corruption-within/448158/review |date=5 November 2012 }} All Music Guide entry for Corruption Within album, quoted at Billboard, 2004
• A Chaos Theory (2002)http://www.dprp.net/reviews/200344.html#shadowkeep {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309181930/http://www.dprp.net/reviews/200344.html#shadowkeep |date=9 March 2016 }} Review of A Chaos Theory album at Dutch Progressive Rock Pages website, 2003
• The Hourglass Effect (2008)http://www.metalrage.com/reviews/2453/shadowkeep-the-hourglass-effect.html Review of The Hourglass Effect album at www.metalrage.com, 16 November 2008
• Shadowkeep (2018)http://www.hardrockhaven.net/online/2017/12/shadowkeep-sign-worldwide-deal-with-pure-steel-records/ Metal news website, 2017

• Shadowkeep (1999)http://www.proggnosis.com/PGRelease.asp?RID=8249 Entry for Shadowkeep EP at www.proggnosis.com online database, 1999

• Dark Tower – track No. 1 on Metal Crusade Vol. 1

(CD compiled by Heavy Oder Was? magazine, 2000)[http://www.melissarecords.com/ Biography of Shadowkeep] at the official Melissa Records website

This track also appears on a number of other compilation albums.

• The Trial of Your Betrayal – track No. 14 on Dynamit Vol. 23

(CD compiled by Rock Hard magazine, 2000)[https://www.discogs.com/Various-Dynamit-Vol-23/release/2040101 Dynamit Vol. 23] – compilation album details at www.discogs.com

• Queen of the Reich – track No. 2 on Rebellion: A Tribute to Queensrÿche

(Dwell Records, 2000)

• Believe – track No. 8 on Limb Promo CD Vol. 3

(Limb Music, 2002)[http://www.speed-n-power.com/disk.php?did=737 Limb Promo CD Vol. 3] – compilation album details at Fast Metal Pages, 30 January 2012

• Fear and Loathing – track No. 15 on Rockdetector: A-Z of Power Metal

(CD provided free with the book A-Z of Power Metal by Garry Sharpe-Young, published by Cherry Red Records in 2003; {{ISBN|9781901447132}})[https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/rockdetector-a-to-z-of-power-metal Rockdetector – A-Z of Power Metal – Book and CD details] on Cherry Red Records website, 1 February 2003

• Cast Out – track No. 22 on Louder Than the Dragon

(Limb Music, 2004)[http://www.speed-n-power.com/disk.php?did=3495 Louder Than the Dragon] – compilation album details at Fast Metal Pages, 30 January 2012

• Ten Shades of Black – track No. 7 on ProgPower UK 2006 – Official Festival CD Sampler

(CD given out free to ProgPower UK festival attendees on 25 March 2006)[https://www.discogs.com/Various-ProgPower-UK-2006-Official-CD-Sampler-/release/11729443 ProgPower UK 2006 – Official Festival CD Sampler] – compilation album details at www.discogs.com

• Keep It True IV – live footage of Shadowkeep appears on the bonus disc of this DVD release

(Steelpride Records, 2005)[http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=2699 Review of Keep It True IV DVD] at www.metalcrypt.com, 25 July 2006

{{reflist}}

• {{Facebook}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110822015238/http://musicmight.com/artist/united+kingdom/surrey/guildford/shadowkeep Shadowkeep at MusicMight]
• [https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/ShadowKeep/852 Shadowkeep's entry in Encyclopaedia Metallum]
• [http://www.librariusmetallicus.com/Band/view/3273 Shadowkeep's entry in Librarius Metallicus]
• [http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Shadowkeep-l-en.html Shadowkeep's entry in Spirit of Metal online database]

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Category:English power metal musical groups

Category:English progressive metal musical groups

Category:Musical groups established in 1999

Category:1999 establishments in England

Category:Musicians from Guildford