Galneryus, Japan's premier power metal band, has long been a beacon of consistency and quality in the genre. With a stellar track record spanning over a decade and a half, their music has captivated fans worldwide with its blend of neoclassical shredding, commanding vocals, and epic song structures. However, their latest album, "A Cry from the Sky Above," has left some listeners underwhelmed, as it struggles to match the inspired heights of their earlier work. While it's not a complete disaster, the album is marred by a sense of stagnation and a lack of innovation, which is particularly disappointing given the band's reputation for excellence.
One of the most striking aspects of "A Cry from the Sky Above" is its extended track lengths. Galneryus has always been known for their lengthy, epic songs, but on this album, they seem to have overdone it. The average track length hovers around seven minutes, with the longest song, "Without You," clocking in at a staggering fifteen minutes. While this might be music to the ears of die-hard fans, it also risks becoming a bit of a slog for casual listeners. The band's signature style, which blends neoclassical shredding with powerful choruses and epic solos, is still present, but it often feels stretched too thin.
The lead single, "Light of Hope," is a prime example of this. It's a prototypical Galneryus song, complete with anthemic choruses and mind-blowing neoclassical solos by guitarist Syu and keyboardist Yuhki. However, the song feels padded, with long sections that could have been trimmed without sacrificing the overall impact. This is a common issue throughout the album, with several tracks suffering from similar over-reliance on length rather than substance. "Let No Time Decay" and "Break the Silence!" are two other examples of songs that could have been more memorable if they had been pared down.
The album's strongest track, "To the Last Breath," is a welcome exception. It ups the pace and features Rhapsody-esque orchestration, which adds a new dimension to the band's sound. The chemistry between vocalist Sho and guitarist Syu is also evident in the verses, with their vocals and thrashy guitar energy matching each other's fervor. However, even this track is not without its flaws, with the rhythm guitars mixed too quietly and Sho's vocals sometimes getting lost in the mix.
One of the most disappointing aspects of "A Cry from the Sky Above" is its use of keyboards. Galneryus has always had a symphonic edge to their sound, but on this album, the keyboards often feel cheesy and twinkling, cheapening the overall experience. The aimless instrumental intro, "Call of the Horizon," and the pointless instrumental outro, "Where You Were," are prime examples of this, with the keyboards adding little to the overall atmosphere. It's a shame, as the band's neoclassical elements are one of their strongest suits.
Despite these flaws, "A Cry from the Sky Above" is not without its highlights. The ballad "Echoes of Fate" is a moving track that showcases the band's ability to craft emotional, introspective moments. "Without You," while not reaching the heights of "Angel of Salvation," is still a worthy epic that showcases the band's signature style. However, these tracks are not enough to save the album from its overall sense of stagnation.
In my opinion, Galneryus has lowered its floor with this album, going from rock-solid to just good. It's a disappointment, especially given the band's reputation for excellence. While there are a couple of great tracks on the album, the overall sense of mediocrity lingers. I can't help but wonder if the band has run out of steam, or if they simply need to find new ways to inspire themselves. Either way, "A Cry from the Sky Above" is a step back for Galneryus, and it leaves fans like me wondering if the band can still reach the heights it once did.
Recommended tracks: "Beyond the Sunrise," "To the Last Breath," "Echoes of Fate," "Without You." You may also enjoy artists like Syu, Lightbringer, and Jupiter. The final verdict: 6/10. Despite its flaws, "A Cry from the Sky Above" is still a listenable album, but it's a far cry from the inspired work of Galneryus' past.
