Release Date: June 27th, 2025
Label: Sliptrick Records (also distributed through The Orchard)
Genre: Metal/Electronic Metal
Total Playing Time: 41:48 (11 tracks)
Line Up:
Jamie (guitarist)
George (guitarist)
Danny (member since 2015)
Rob Halliday (drummer)
Xander Isles (piano/keyboards)
Tracklist:
Moment In The Moonlight
Sin With Me
Lonely Valentine’s
Angel
More Than That
Gone With The Wind
On The Run
Bullet In My Heart
The Witness
Andromeda
Edge Of The World
This album from Skies Turns Black essentially checks every box, making me classify it within the ‘metal’ genre, though it could seamlessly fit into hard rock, EDM metal, gothic metal and beyond. The band references this release as perfect for Avenged Sevenfold, HIM and Pendulum fans, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine a more accurate combination to describe their sound. You’ll detect hints of Electric Callboy (minus the harsh vocals), elements of Aesthetic Perfection and frankly, the comparisons could continue endlessly. What results is something remarkably unique that covers every angle while maintaining complete coherence as a unified album. Additionally, this stands as my top favorite release of the month, and I’m grateful my editor directed it toward me.
The album artwork proves deceptive, implying an 80s hard rock revival – but believe me, that’s far from reality. This represents modern, energetic music brimming with tracks demanding loud playback, and once you believe it’s sufficiently loud, increase the volume further because there’s always room to go ‘one louder’.
Each track deserves individual recognition, so instead I’ll note how every song will captivate you, pull you in, surround you with groove, rhythm, beats, riffs and numerous other components that will have you hitting repeat quicker than the British Prime Minister reverses his welfare policy decisions.
The opening several tracks lean toward pop rock territory before transitioning into the more emotional ‘More Than That’, which mid-song shifts into electronica and guitar-heavy territory before continuing forward. The appeal lies in the unpredictability – when the next element arrives, it strikes you like a wet fish from a Monty Python scene while declaring “and now for something completely different.”
‘Andromeda’ and ‘Edge Of The World’ conclude these 42 minutes of music, and it’s undeniably a triumphant success featuring orchestral components and, frankly speaking, everything including the kitchen sink thrown in to perfect their “we’re capable of anything and you’ll adore it” philosophy.
Their confidence proves justified – they absolutely can, and I absolutely do! Win!
Ratings: 10/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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