Description

Swedish act Skyfire returned in 2009 with their fourth album Esoteric and this band has shown that they are an ever-evolving unit. The band has so far never released two albums that have sounded alike. On Esoteric the band shows maturity in the songwriting and many of the epic tracks shows some real complexity. Obviously Esoteric shares the most in common with Spectral, but the latter followed fairly based formulae regarding song structure. Here we have anthems like Miserys Supremacy and the experimental Darkness Descending, both of which twist and evolve their way to become two of the best tracks the band has ever released. The flaw that initially made me uneasy was the way the album begins. We have an epic, if not run-of-the-mill orchestral intro, which builds up to the slow beginning of Esoteric. I just don't agree with the track placement here. The self-titled track is the most straightforward cut on the album, probably the best example to show a newcomer what Esoteric is all about; concise and to the point. Brainchilds Edlund and Hanner continue their dual guitar-keyboard assault; however while as usual with Skyfire, the keyboards are obviously programmed. The keys take a more reserved role here, adding welcomed atmosphere in just the right places. Seclusion, however, is a real throwback to their first album, brimming with classical melodies and chest-pounding string sections. Johan Reinholdz (Andromeda) brings a swagger and repletion with his guitar input never before seen by Skyfire fans. Some great solos and intoxicating riffs lurk within Esoteric. The departure of vocalist Henrik Wenngren was of much concern, but Joakim Karlsson proves to be an apt suitor. He boasts a superior range and fits the music here quite well. I don't think a better replacement was possible. Kudos to the band for taking their time whilst procuring a new frontman. Joakim Jonsson continues to improve his capability on the kit. He boasts quite a diverse skill set, punctuated by a good (if not great) production job, which leaves us with a huge, epic soundscape only at the cost of some of the bite of the rhythm section. What we are left with is an ambitious effort, but as a result some of the tracks tend to blur together. All of the aforementioned tracks are choice cuts, while the rest of the album fluctuates in the vicinity of average, if only because there is so much to take in with each song. I think what is most polarizing here is the lack of initial accessibility, let it sink in and you're in for a treat. They really gave it their all this time, these Swedes. They've got me on their side. Track listing: 1. Deathlike Overture-intro 2. Esoteric 3. Rise and Decay 4. Let the Old World Burn 5. Darkness Descending 6. Seclusion 7. Miserys Supremacy 8. Under a Pitch Black Sky 9. Linger In Doubt 10. The Legacy of the Defeated 11. Within Reach