SKYBLOOD "Skyblood"

SKYBLOOD

“Skyblood”

SKYBLOOD is really Mats Leven, an exceptional metal vocalist in the European scene. Mats has done work for CANDLEMASS, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and AT VANCE, to name but a few and he is highly sought after for his almost operatic tones.

Not only does SKYBLOOD prominently display Leven’s vocals and lyrics but the guy practically plays every instrument here, which is impressive. Listening to this project, I have to label this as progressive rock more than straight heavy metal or hard rock. It is hugely symphonic and cinematic in instrumentation and I was immediately reminded of QUEENSRYCHE at their most bombastic. Think of “Rage For Order” and “Empire” and that is basically the ballpark SKYBLOOD is operating in. The music is not really riff heavy and keys and synth are out in front. Mats even sounds like Geoff Tate in his more “langorous” moments, but when he belts it out, his voice is clear and piercing. He has the kind of singing that can adapt to many types of rock music.

The most powerful rockers here are “One Eye For An Eye” and “For Or Against”,which have strong hooks. Most songs are more subtle and most start quietly before building to huge climaxes. “Once Invisible” and the immense 10 minute plus “Le Ventimeux” are two examples of this, where Mats throws everything but the kitchen sink into the song, including layers of choral vocals, flute, horns, the works.

The album is going to work better for fans of prog and prog metal than those just looking for all out headbanging. I’m afraid I’m more in the latter group, so SKYBLOOD is a mixed proposition for me.

NAPALM RECORDS

MATS LEVEN

SKYBLOOD