Dying Passion: Skylor

I have not heard a lot of bands from the Czech Republic, but here is one hailing from Sumperk, calling themselves Dying Passion. They have around nine full length albums including their latest titled Skylor, released in 2022.

Skylor is quite an intriguing album and it all begins with the concept of space travel. The main character is astronaut Skylor who is traveling distant stars in search of undiscovered extrasolar planets, all the while wondering if home will ever be seen again. The music invokes the feeling of space, sometimes dreamy, other times spacey, with atmospheric sound layers constructed of interwoven guitars and keyboards with a large helping of effects and programming. The lead vocals of Jelínková are a highlight throughout the album’s eleven tracks.

The band is:
Stanislav Jelínek (guitars, keyboards, programming)
Zuzana Jelíková (vocals)
Jan Stinka (bass, programming)
Jan Kylar (drums)
Guests:
Petr Mylnář (piano on “Another Kind of Light�)
Hynek Stan�ík (baritone acoustic guitar on “Another Kind of Light�)
Ondřej Prekop (slide guitar on “On the Edge�)

The first track “Search� begins with spacey synths, dreamy lead vocals, and a propulsive groove. The melody really sticks and instrumentally the space theme is fully realized, invoking an atmospheric mood that reveals the unknown. The lead vocals are absolutely wonderful. A pulsating electronic groove begins “Aerosouls�, a song steeped in ‘80s new wave and synth pop but with a progressive touch. “In the Code� has a slightly darker vibe and as the song develops the sound layers become denser, a melding of guitar and keyboards blended together to create a dynamic and rich sound. The melodic “Shadowplay� is another excellent track with a tasty yet subtle guitar groove and cool echo effects on the vocals. Lots of trippiness in this one, with the occasional progressive twist. On “Today� the guitars are a little heavier and knife edged while the title track brings out the band’s post rock sensibilities going for a more brooding and melancholic approach, with some doomy elements adding a metallic edge. Very cool indeed!

Skylor has been a highly enjoyable listen which I found to be a real grower. Fans of moody atmospheric rock and metal should really give this one a spin. Recommended!

The artwork by Petr Phob Å tefek is beautifully done, invoking the space theme in a classy and artistic way. Well done!

An Epidemie Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Search
2. Aerosouls
3. In the Code
4. Shadowplay
5. Today
6. Skylor
7. Breakwater
8. On the Edge
9. Round and Round
10. Another Kind of Light
11. Breathe

Added: December 16th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 79
Language: english

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