Skyharbor – ‘Guiding Lights’ [Review]
From the big picture perspective down to the finest details, this album is a spectacular triumph. Skyharbor’s struggle to make their latest opus more than just a fanciful dream is finally over – and they’re evidently revelling in the results, as well they should.
Passionately delivered and by turns positive, pensive, and philosophical lyrics blend with a rich and vibrant mix of familiar prog-metal vibes to epically uplifting effect, while the musicianship and production work are top-class – hardly surprising considering the pedigree of the musicians involved. Every track has its highlights, from the meditative monologue at the tail end of Halogen to New Devil‘s Nobuo Uematsu-flavoured instrumental tangent, Patience‘s mellow Deftones-meet-A-Perfect-Circle atmospherics, opener Allure‘s Periphery-jamming-with-Karnivool-and-Tool riff spectaculars, and guest musician Plini’s brilliantly placed and paced guitar solo, buried within epic closer The Constant. Although at times the taste of Skyharbor’s influences comes on a bit too strong, the overall effect is one of appropriately ecstatic joy and inspired (not to mention frequently inventive and original) creativity.
The world of metal can seem bleak and miserable at times – but Guiding Lights beckons towards a better, more hopeful, and deeply rewarding place.
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2 responses to “Skyharbor – ‘Guiding Lights’ [Review]”
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Wow, I put off listening to this too long. Deeply regret it.
Better late than never!