It’s been a while since Grey
Skies Fallen has put forth a new album. Over the last three or four
years they had many changes in the lineup and even disbanded a couple times
I believe. All this has lead to their third full-length disc, "Two
Way Mirror." Joe D’Angelo (guitarist/co-founder) has now rejoined
Rick Habeeb and company, helping the creation of a new sound for the band.
Still hear some of their doom influences, but not as heavy as I remember
the band from their early years. Dark, progressive, doom rock like recent
Anathema, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia is similar to their vibe. Somber
emotions are felt though out the music especially with the guitar melodies
and keys probably drawing some inspiration from those bands just mentioned
and Pink Floyd. Overall Grey Skies Fallen might not be quite to the caliper
of those bands but musically they can hold their own. There are some nice
parts throughout this record, especially when they use their layers of melancholic
music creatively. With a little more cohesion they could approach an Anathema
or Katatonia. My only real problem I have with the disc is portions of the
vocals and a couple abrupt endings to songs. They need to create a little
better way to blend the lead and backing vocals to the music, unlike the
need for death vocals they use and have used in past efforts, the singing
approach could use a little more range so it’s not so bland. More
reverb? Maybe if there was a little more death thrown in variation to the
clean vocals, it would blend slightly better. The clean voice just don’t
work all the time, making the vocals feel a little awkward. Lastly, it could
use a little shot of adrenaline every so often as well, to increase the
energy a bit; it can be too mellow at times for me. I like the more aggressive
and heavier style they show at the end of “Forget the Past”
and “The Opposite of Up,” as well as in the title track “Two
Way Mirror” and “This Sinking Feeling.” To me these may
be the perfect examples to show what Grey Skies Fallen is all about these
days, they encompasses everything the band uses and I hope to hear more
like them.
Rating: 82
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
