SKY OF FOREVER – Sky Of Forever (2016)
Three-piece from Finland SKY OF FOREVER were presented in our Adv. Releases compilations, now October 14th marks the day for their full length debut “Sky Of Forever“. The Helsinki-based group include musicians whom have played in Stratovarius, Tracedawn, Joe Lynn Turner Band, Helsinki City Theatre, etc, but despite their metal roots “Sky Of Forever” is a pure Melodic Hard Rock oriented project.
Fronted by the unique tenor voice of Lauri Hannola (this guy is revelation) Sky Of Forever’s melodic musical approach has an instant charm that will appeal to anyone who love the classic ’80s sounds.
There’s only 9 songs here, but all of supreme quality crafted with attention to detail and super-polished production. The overall style is pretty American influenced Melodic Rock, but Sky Of Forever add a touch of their Scandinavian origins to the mix.
Opener and first single ‘Carry On’ is a engaging melodic rocker featuring Kiss alumni Bruce Kulick as guest. Sky Of Forever approached Kulick’s manager in the US and after listening to the track, the musician loved it and dropped a swirling solo.
A really great opener, but wait, there’s even better songs to come.
Follower ‘One Of These Days’ is simply perfect. A perfect midtempo melodic rock tune with delicious guitars and a sweet chorus. ‘Wild Heart’ up the tempo a little incorporating very nice synths and cool vocal arrangements, then ‘Tomorrow’ is classy Scandi AOR with a modern sonic wrapper.
‘Vagabond’ is the ballad with acoustics and dreamy orchestrations in the background, and next appears the radio-friendly ‘Summer Rain’ with its contagious melody.
Next, ‘Divine’ surprises as provides a dynamic break to the album with its uptempo pace and an atmosphere bringing to mind Urban Tale, the really good (also Finnish) band from the early 2000’s.
Title track ‘Sky Of Forever’ blends Melodic Rock with AOR and US / Euro styles in its foundation, while closer ‘Under Everlasting Sun’ is another – short but effective – acoustic affair.
“Sky Of Forever” is one of the surprises of the year.
The band sounds modern yet firmly planted in the ’80s Melodic Rock mold with some AOR touches rounding a delightful debut. Production is crystal clear, all very well mixed enhancing the plenteous melodies.
Don’t miss “Sky Of Forever”, for sure in my ‘Best Of The Year’ list.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Carry On (feat. Bruce Kulick)
02 – One Of These Days
03 – Wild Heart
04 – Tomorrow
05 – Vagabond
06 – Summer Rain
07 – Divine
08 – Sky Of Forever
09 – Under Everlasting Sun
Lauri Hannola – vocals
Roni Seppänen – guitars
Rolf Pilve – drums
with:
Tuomas Yli-Jaskari – bass & production
Risto Kupiainen – piano & orchestration
BUY IT !
musicbuymail.com/en/shop/cd/sky-of-forever-cd
.
