CRIMSON SKIES

The band Cloudscape is currently a rising star in Sweden, and with reason, since their blend of melodic metal with some progressive elements suites the standard metal listener, but it's also interesting enough to please the more prog interested listener (though they are no Dream Theater in innovativity).

This album is their second release, the sequel to their self titled debut album from 2004/2005 (the release was delayed in Europe). To compare it with the last album, this one is alot darker. Where the debut seemed to be going for a melodic power metal direction at times, this one is definitely heavier, and at times more progressive.

Especially notable about Cloudscape is their vocalist, Mike Anderson. He has a very full, deep voice, sometimes a bit like Jørn Lande, but even deeper. The vocal performances on this album is great, since his voice really suites they're dark atmosphere.

The production is perhaps the best point of this album beside the vocals. It's crystal clear. You never miss a note on guitars or basses, or a beat on the drums. Pontus Lindmark and Anders "Theo" Theander has done a great job with this one.

The rest of the music consists of very tight and well performed heavy music, a lot of great dual guitar melodies and riffs, nice and atmospheric keyboards and very good drumming.

The album's weakness is the song writing at some points. The album kicks of with Shapeshifter, my favourite song of the album, and Shadowland and And then the rain... are great songs as well, but then, unfortunately, the next songs are somewhat boring, with not a lot of interesting elements at all. But when You've reached this point, do not despair, because the great stuff that was in the beginning will come back on the second half of the album, with great songs like, Breach in my sanity, Demon tears and Will we remain.

In the end, I don't think this album is a masterpiece, the songwriting is still lacking at some points, and they could use some more progression, but that is the direction they've taken, and with this album, they have really made clear what the Cloudscape sound is, and that there is a lot to expect from this little Swedish band.