Review BYGONE “Bygone”

I can’t tell you the exact date Bygone was founded, but it must have been in 2022 or earlier. The Boston-based band released a demo that year, and after signing a contract with Svart Records, their debut album was ready to go.

The band’s first studio effort is titled “Bygone” and features seven songs. Compared with the galactic artwork, the sound of the Boston-based powerhouse is rather down-to-earth.

“Lightspeed Nights” is the title of the opener, which shows the band’s roots right away. The five-piece band was inspired by the heavy sound of the ’70s and ’80s. Contrary to the “lightspeed” title, the song is moderate in pace and has a galloping rhythm. Bands like Thin Lizzy and UFO seem to have influenced Bygone’s music. At least, those are the bands that came to mind when listening to “Lightspeed Nights” the first time.

“Shadow Rising” follows and roars out of the speakers with a similar intensity to the opener. Kept at an even slower pace, the tune radiates heaviness throughout before “Take Me Home” reveals its dark roots in rock. Keyboard lines are prominent in “Take Me Home,” and the galloping riff returns, adding a Uriah Heep vibe to the mix.

The Hammond also plays an important role in “The Last Horses of Avalon,” a six-minute composition that brings you to “City Living.” Cinematic and captivating, these seven minutes are the highlight of an album that also contains the thunderous rock song called “Into the Gleam.”

We are approaching the end of the album. “Fire in You, Fire in Me” is the final episode and an emotionally intense conclusion to this debut release. It starts off calm and introspective, making your eardrums gently swing. This atmospheric pattern continues from start to finish. There are well-done solo parts and a slow increase in intensity. This fiercely rocking tune showcases the musical versatility of Bygone once again before ending the album.

Bygone deliver a debut album that grabs your attention. The seven songs on this release are emotional anthems that alternate between rock and metal. It doesn’t take long to connect with Bygone’s music, and it’s the attention to detail in the soundscapes that allows for longer-lasting delight when listening to this album.