Writers who put decades into their craft when it comes to metal journalism often find fortune in watching the career arc of bands from the independent/ DIY ranks on through to solid label deals. That’s the case here for Slovenian heavy metal act SkyEye – arriving at their third studio platter for New Horizons after an already impressive back catalog through 2018’s self-titled debut and the 2021 follow-up Soldiers of Light. A farewell to founding guitarist Grega Stalowsky (his spot taken over by Urban Zeleznik), those of you who love a mix of classic heavy metal with some European power aspects that the current generation deliver will have plenty of songs to sink your teeth into that delight in tremendous hooks, catchy choruses, exemplary musicianship, as well as the subtle crevices that make for a thoughtful, engaging front to back aural odyssey to the good.
Gold star awards start on the commanding pipes of vocalist Jan Lescanec. The man has the requisite soaring range, powerful lung capacity, as well as personal, sinister inflections to captivate on tremendous tracks like “Far Beyond” and Hammerfall meets current Judas Priest-esque “Forgotten Nation” to rival Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, and Nils Patrik Johansson. Twin guitar harmonies beyond pumping bass and energetic drum work carries “Railroad of Dreams” into that instant anthem pantheon – where fists fly high and long strands of hair whirl about in frenzies. Exotic or historical themes also enter the fray especially when the group choose to explore epic arrangements – bassist Primoz Lovsin upping his game in a Maiden-esque, climbing manner for “Saraswati” or through the almost ten minute closer “1917”. Those dynamic contrasts ensure plenty of musical chemistry aspects that deserve closer, headphone-oriented inspection – the band well aware that the best heavy metal songs possess captivating hooks and melodies at various tempos delivered in diverse emotional context. Crisp sounds also keep the record bright, heavy, yet 100% metal – while certain songs lyrically pay tribute to heroes like Rainbow/Dio for “The Voice of the Silver Mountain”, the lead break containing sparse to frantic notes executed in this tremendous, emotive level of fluidity that’s second to none for heroic accomplishment.
Much like their mentors, SkyEye have consistently raised the bar album by album to the point that their professional abilities cannot be denied. New Horizons may be the changing of the guard so to speak with one key member leaving and a fresh passing of the torch – but the long-time faithful should have no worries, as these musicians exemplify quality songwriting through and through one again here.