SUNLESS SKIES

Well this didn't blow me away like their debut did (not even close) but there's still lots to like here for Metal fans. They have added two guest female singers who contribute on the last three tracks. Funny but the bonus track is maybe my favourite song on here.That's really unusual.The art work is clever and futuristic to say the least.

"Crown Of Thorns" hits us right away with a heavy onslaught as vocals eventually join in.This is kind of catchy. "Behind The Shadows" sounds amazing to start but that changes when it settles and the vocals arrive. A pretty good instrumental section starts before 3 1/2 minutes. "Aurora" turns heavy quickly and keyboards also join in. It calms right down and the vocals arrive. It picks back up right away though with riffs. A guitar solo after 3 minutes. "Quantic Enigma" opens with intricate guitar then it turns heavy. A calm when the vocals arrives then it kicks back in after a minute as contrasts continue. "In Your Arms" is ballad-like unfortunately although it does get fuller. Still i'm not a fan.

"Sons Of The Sunless Skies" opens with synths and bass before the heaviness takes over.Vocals before a minute as it stays heavy. Lots of background piano later. "The Coldest Lullaby" sounds great on the more aggressive sections not so good on the mellow ones. Female vocals around 2 minutes. "Perpetual Eclipse" features more female vocals with piano this time. It does get fuller. "Poltergeist" hits the ground running then it settles with vocals before a minute, then it kicks back in quickly. Great sound after 4 1/2 minutes.The female vocal melodies late sound really good too.

3.5 stars. I just can't pull the trigger on 4 stars whereas on the debut it was such an easy decision. Well worth checking out though if your a Prog-Metal fan.