Source: Album Artwork
5-piece progressive metal band Skyharbor, are about to release their highly anticipated second album Guiding Lights. The band, originally starting out as guitarist Keshav Dhar’s studio project, quickly evolved and became one of the hottest new bands in metal. Their 2011 debut album Blinding White Noise: Illusion & Chaos gained the multi-national band a whole lot of attention, and fans to go with it. With awards from the Rolling Stone India Metal awards for Best Song, Best Album, and Best Band, under their belt, the band have definitely left their mark on the metal scene with their unique musical style.
Opening track ‘Allure’ is all about smooth vocals, and the fast-paced auditory attack being led by drummer Anup Sastry. The rapidity of the song is beautifully contrasted to the soft, ambient sounds layered under the catchy, intricate guitar riffs. These elements are just as dominant in ‘The Constant’.
Heavier track ‘Evolution’ makes you reach for the volume button as you prepare to hear a loud demon growl, however are pleasantly surprised when the fast, disjointed guitar helps transition the song into a more neutral place, to allow vocalist Daniel Tompkins to come in with his soft, smoky vocals.
The track ‘Patience’ takes a slower, almost strip back kind of direction. The soft vocals, and quiet drums, and what can only be described as some sort of xylophone-type instrument, helps gently guide you into the peaceful title track, that plays with soft and loud dynamics.
Each song on the 10-track album manages to give off a different vibe, even with the same elements being used. The faster, disjointed metal riffs in ‘Idle Minds’ allows the atmospheric vocals to be drawn out longer, whereas the same disjointedness helps add an out-of-this-world kind of feel to ‘Kaikoma’.
Skyharbor have paid homage to their previous album, but have definitely shown their development musically. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what more these guys can do with soft, imaginative melodies, and a whole lot of ass-kicking metal riffs. We have our padlocks, and our pillows; show us the pit.
