review: Countless Skies -- melodic death metal and progressive extreme metal in harmony

Countless Skies

Glow

Willowtip Records

6 November 2020

U.K.-based Countless Skies consists of an ambitious proposition, on one hand, but at the center of it all is the objective of an equilibrium, on the other. Musically, classic-style melodic death and melodic progressive extreme metal work in tandem. Sometimes the music may lean more towards one end or the other. Overall, both aspects coexist ra-ther harmoniously. Considering that there is a definite progressive vibe, it is commenda-ble that they have worked hard at keeping the songs at the forefront, and not make themselves, their egos/skills as the focal point. In other words, these musicians can shred until the cows come home. That's obvious, but the truth is that this is not why we listen to this album. After a couple of listens, the songs, the music itself, really starts to open up. There is a very notable quality at work. A sense that writing good songs is important to the band. What are some things that you might like? The combination of both extreme and melodic singing. Both are done well, and the melodic singing is not a half-hearted attempt. It sounds good, not just “acceptable.” Fans versed in 90s melodeath and prog death will undoubtedly notice the classic vibes of these Brits, but it's not necessary to know those references. This album by itself has everything that you might need for your satisfaction, if you are looking for some melodeath that is done well and with skill, and prog extreme metal that remembers the importance of good songs.

Glow by Countless Skies