Canadian four-piece Freeways have been on the scene for 10 years now, and their sophomore full-length album is a pure hard rock joy.
Hailing from Brampton, Ontario, the band has been a solid unit since 2014 with only one member change in that time. Freeways are: Dominic Innocente (guitars), Jacob Montgomery (guitars and vocals), Amarjot Amrith (bass) and Matthew Avenins (drums, replacing Sebastian Alcamo in 2020).
It has been four years since the well-received True Bearings was released and now Dark Sky Sanctuary intends to take things further. I can assure you that it does.
It may not be a lengthy affair but every one of its 33 minutes is superbly crafted and it kept my undying attention throughout.
Hard rock is the order of the day with a hint of NWOBHM influence. Hard, fast rhythms keep the momentum and Montgomery’s vocals are perfectly suited to the feel of the band.
Kicking off with “Forever Protected” Freeways hit the ground running. Pacey riffs and hard rocking melodies ensure a more than solid opening.
Following hot on its heels is “Can’t Deny Destiny” with the first guitar solo of the album, and it’s a belter! Hitting you like a sledgehammer from nowhere and then caressing you through 40 seconds of beauty.
“Give ‘Em the Gears” gives a huge nod to Motorhead and Lemmy in particular. With hard bass-driven riffs it’s the fastest and heaviest track on the album, and a good one at that. The NWOBHM influence comes through strong here, and the track could easily have travelled from 1980. Check it out below.
Freeways head back to the rhythm and full sound on the title track. It’s more riff heaven, driven powerfully by the rhythm section of Avenins and Amrith. A headbanger’s wet dream, no doubt.
“Travelling Heart” kicks off with an opening that reminded me of the Golden Earring classic “Radar Love”, intentional or not I don’t know. It continues into a track with a slight feel of UK indie-rock, especially with the riffs and rhythm.
There’s a funky feel to “Fortune’s Favourite” early on and throughout the track Avenins’ drums are standout. Thrilling stuff.
“Private Myth” has a great romping beat to it. The track is short on lyrics but huge on quality musicianship through each aspect of the band. An excellent track.
Sadly we’re coming to the end of this tremendous album and Freeways have to take great credit for producing an outstanding effort.
“Cracked Shadow” sums up the album nicely, highlighting everything the band are so good at. Solid riffs, big melodies and just great, great tunes. No second is wasted at all.
Dark Sky Sanctuary is an absolute triumph of a record. It has a strong rock thread running through it but manages to change pace and tone so it’s all not the same. This is a cracking album and it’s out now on Dying Victims, so go on, buy it.
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