Skypho: Karma-Sutra

Hailing from Portugal, alternative rock/metal band Skypho have been around for more than a few years now having released an initial demo titled Hidden Faces in 2004 followed by the EP Nowhere Neverland in 2007. They released their debut Same Old Sun in 2011 and have followed it up with their brand new disc Karma-Sutra.

Upon first listen it didn't do much for me but upon further listens the melodies started to stick and the vocals of Carlos Tavares became more enjoyable. Call this what you will; nu metal, alternative metal/hard rock, there are some good melodies behind the crunchy guitar work that just need a little time to sink in. The first track "Moving Forward" begins with a dense layer of distortion and a sort of sing/speak vocal approach which doesn't really work for me. Vocals are in both Portuguese and English. Solid riffs and lighter acoustic embellishments highlight the catchy "Sleep Spell" before the band slow it down with the balladic "Veneno", a really moving piece. The chopped up riffs of the title track and the buzz saw-like guitar and heavy drum pummeling in "True Or Lie" are more highlights. The sax break in the latter was an unexpected surprise.

Karma-Sutra is a solid modern metal album from Skypho. Hopefully word will get out and Skypho can continue to craft more albums in the future.

Band members:
Carlos Tavares (vocals, guitar)
Ricardo Santos (bass)
José Vidal (guitar)
Hugo Sousa (guitar)
Ricardo Fontoura (drums)
Hugo Oliveira (percussion)
Special guest:
Tiago Martins (sax)

Track Listing:
1. Moving Forward
2. Sleep Spell
3. Veneno
4. Karma-Sutra
5. True Or Lie
6. Contra Relógio
7. The Sky Is Even Shinier Tonight
8. The Deciders
9. Come As You Are
10. The Sky Is Even Shinier Tonight (acoustic version)

Added: December 28th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Facebook Page
Hits: 1775
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]