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ride the sky: new direction
Melodic Power Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0
www.ridethesky.eu
www.nuclearblast.de
www.myspace.com/ridetheskytheband
Reviewed by Craig Hartranft
Ride The Sky is a new band founded by and formed around drummer Uli Kusch (ex-Gamma Ray, Helloween, Masterplan; also Beautiful Sin). The project began to take shape when Mr. Kusch began working with vocalist Bjorn Jansson (Tears of Anger, Beyond Twilight) in 2006. The result is a rich album of melodic power metal, 'New Protection.'
Considering the breadth of experience (the members have a combined 70 plus albums under their belts), you would expect nothing put genuine creativity and precision. And for the most part that's what you get on 'New Protection,' even though, for some, this material may sound like garden variety power metal. However in total, the songs are more melodic than heavy and dark, and there is a definite symphonic quality in tracks like 'The End of Days' and 'Far Beyond the Stars.' Even with the symphonic characteristics, there are no epic songs here: many songs clock in around three to four minutes. As for talent, Bjorn Jansson is fine vocalist with a consistent delivery that easily expresses both power and emotion. Brother Benny's guitar work is original and impressive. And, without doubt, Kusch is one of the finest drummers in this genre.
Overall, this a quality effort by Kusch and company. Other good cuts include the title track, 'Endless,' and 'Heaven Only Knows.' If a band is only good as the sum of its parts, then Ride The Sky is destined for some great works in the future. 'New Protection' is well worth your consideration.
In Short
If a band is only good as the sum of its parts, then Ride The Sky is destined for some great works in the future. 'New Protection' is well worth your consideration.
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