Review SKYEYE “New Horizons”

SkyEye isn’t exactly a new band, but there are probably a lot of metalheads out there who haven’t heard of the band before. So let’s start at the beginning, which is 2014. SkyEye is based in Lubljana, Slovenia and the band was formed ten years ago. The first album that hit the shelves was “Digital God” and was released in 2018. Three years later, “Soldiers of Light” was released as the second longplayer and another three years later, “New Horizons” follows with the ambition to strengthen the band’s position.

SkyEye are into traditional metal, played with power and commitment but it’s not the musical revolution that hits you.

The five-piece’s songs are influenced by bands like Judas Priest and Hammerfall are no strangers to the guys. Even some Dio/Rainbow moments come to mind while listening to the up-tempo “Nightfall”.

Together with a solid portion of power metal the quintet sprays a lot of energy, which is spiced up with some well-crafted melody lines, giving songs like the pounding “Far Beyond” and the title track a memorable feel.

At the same time, the band successfully avoids making music that is too sticky-sweet. There is always enough dirt under the fingernails driving songs like the massive “Fight!”. The atmospheric part of the album is called “Saraswati”, an eight-minute song that shows the complete spectrum of SkyEye.

Especially the longer tracks reflect an inspiration that comes from bands like Iron Maiden and the closing “1917” definitely points out these parallels, especially, but not only, when it comes to the guitar sound.

“New Horizons” has the potential to expand the band’s fan base. There are enough good songs on the album that allow for solid headbanging, and even if the source of inspiration sometimes shines through a little too brightly, it is the professionalism and energy that make this release one that should get your attention.