The Shadow Gallery is also the name of the home of the protagonist in the graphic novel V for Vendetta. Shadow Gallery is an American progressive metal band formed in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania during the early 1980s. It was originally called Sorcerer. After changing their name to Shadow Gallery (taken from the graphic novel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore) and recording a short 8-track demo, the band was signed to Magna Carta Records in 1991. Shadow Gallery's eponymous debut was released the following year in Japan and Europe. In mid-2005, Shadow Gallery released their fifth studio album, Room V, on the European-American independent label Inside Out. The band has been compared to contemporary progressive metal bands Dream Theater and Symphony X. The members of Shadow Gallery have also collaborated with other progressive metal bands. Dream Theater's James LaBrie contributed backing vocals to the song "I Believe", which appeared on Shadow Gallery's 1998 album, Tyranny, and in return Shadow Gallery members have contributed to LaBrie's side projects, including MullMuzzler. Shadow Gallery songs, often in the context of a concept album or story, are frequently long with extended instrumental pieces in the middle. For diversity, their music is heavy at times and mellow at others, sometimes incorporating elements of neoclassical and symphonic metal. On October 29, 2008, lead singer Mike Baker died of a heart attack at age 45. Influences Shadow Gallery combines musical influences from virtuoso guitarists, like as Jason Becker and Al Di Meola, as well as progressive rock bands such as Rush, Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd. The band displays heavy metal influences from outfits Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche and Judas Priest. When interviewed on the subject, Gary Wehrkamp has also added that "The band likes everything from Tori Amos, to old Metallica, Alice Cooper, Gamma Ray, Type O Negative, and Nine Inch Nails." History 1985–1991: As Sorcerer Sorcerer originally consisted of Mike Baker, Carl Cadden-James, Ron Evans, and John Cooney. The ensemble began as a cover band, particularly interested in covering difficult to play songs by artists such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Rush. In 1985, guitarists Chris Ingles and Brendt Allman joined the band, with Ingles immediately switching to keyboard duties. At this time, Ron Evans departed in order to pursue other musical interests and goals. 1991–1998: Debut and Carved in Stone After changing their name to Shadow Gallery and recording a short 8 track