REVIEWS

Skyward - s/t
		Tracklisting: 01. Opening 02. Guardian 03. Die Happy 04. Burn it Down 05. Come December 06. Yesternight 07. Travel in Time 08. Crossroads 09. Vaya con Diablo Total: 42:25		Rating:   Links: - Official Website - Thundering Records
Skyward is another melodic metal band from Finland, which has recorded one demo 'Guardian' before releasing their self-titled debut. Unlike most bands, this album was recorded before a record deal was made. Having already played at a quite big festival, Nummirock Midsummer Metalfest, this group from Riihimäki shows some great potential. From the first play, the technique and melody of Skyward become clear. With great melodies accompanying the vocals the first song, perfectly titled "Opening", begins the album. The music sounds great as a whole, and the high-pitched vocals fit to the other arrangements very well. The first solo of the album follows half-way through the song and again shows the technique in Skyward's music. Next up is "Guardian" which starts with a ten-second acoustic intro, followed by blasting guitar-riffs before the vocals - full of melody - take over. Somehow this track sounds a lot like Nightwish, but nevertheless unique. Beginning with a funny bass intro is the third song "Die Happy". The vocal lines are perfectly repeated on guitar, and the melody of Skyward is once again present. The best thing about this album is that though it has a very recognizable sound, mostly because of the vocals, the album stays full of variety and every song is unique! Changing between fast-paced parts and more mellow riffs, another face is added to the music. "Burn it Down" begins a little more up-tempo and is one of the catchiest songs on the album. Though it is the shortest, it definately can be noted down as one of the best. A good main-riff leads you through the song, mixed with short, fast vocal parts. The best intro of the album is found halfway through the CD, in "Come December", which is a great acoustic intro, followed neatly by the familiar beats and guitar parts. Comparable to "Burn it Down" is the next song "Yesternight" which begins with acoustic guitars mixed with short drumblasts and screaming guitarwork, containg a chorus which reminds me of one of Iron Maiden's songs. Speaking of influences, the music is greatly influenced by older metal, for example Metallica and Iron Maiden, but Skyward manages to give its own flavour to this, maybe this is also because of the female vocals, but it's unique in any case. An intro that differs from the others a lot is the one on "Travel in Time" which has some less melodic and rather screaming guitars, which sounds very good as well. Another good song, with a lot of melody but not as good as some of the others. As the album slowly is coming to an end the only real ballad "Crossroads" quickly adds another dimension to it, and this could not have been done any better. This song is very good, and how hard it may be to make good ballads, Skyward certainly has put down a heck of a ballad. Slow guitarwork, again a lot of melody in the vocals and nice piano tunes in the background. A little screaming guitar-solo in the middle of the song does not interfere with the beauty of this track and shows the band's ability to mix technique with beauty. The last song "Vaya con Diablo" is another up-tempo track which finishes this album in style, but there isn't anything to say about it that has not already been said before. If you like Iron Maiden guitar riffs, melody as in Sonata Arctica and Nightwish, give this band a try! It certainly won't be wasted time. The melody on this album is only exceeded by its versatility and with that I end my say about Skyward, keep an eye on them.   Rhoutna
Released: 2005, Thundering Records