Outsiders

One of the most fascinating metal records I frequently listen to - Skyliner's debut record Outsiders. Skyliner are a power metal trio from Jacksonville, Florida, playing a distinct, memorable brand of music which incorporates bits and pieces of power metal, thrash metal, and progressive rock spearheaded by frontman and mastermind Jake "Starseeker" Becker's tremendous vocals and guitar playing. They've been around for quite a hot minute, but in 2014 they were able to deliver this massive debut record. A completely unique listen from front to back, this album stands out from everything else I own.

Outsiders is a power metal album for sure, but this style really is a little different than anything else you'll hear out there. The main separating factor is Jake himself, who unleashes a flurry of fast, heavy, and perhaps even bizarre guitar riffing on every song he plays. The song structures flow with the same urgency featured on the best power metal, but the riffs quickly jump from palm-muted tremolo picking to soaring upper-register melodies and licks and then back again. His style is dynamic and unique, and it makes for some of the coolest riffing I've ever heard. It's as if the guitar is a vocal expansion speaking a language of its own. The speedy, heavy storming guitar parts jump between classic trem-picking and sudden melodic leads so fast that it don't even strike as unnatural or forced. It's organic and memorable and I can't get enough of it. There is no separation of rhythm and lead guitar, there is just Jake's singular and constant presence controlling the energy of the songs at his will.

With this identifying attribute, the record powers along through a big selection of mostly fast-paced power metal burners full of melodic hooks and catchy riffs that keep you guessing the entire time. Skyliner actually had a fourth member on keyboards at this time, and her keys add a lot of atmosphere and counterpoint to the guitarwork that I quite enjoy. Notice her synth stabs on the prechorus of "The Alchemist" and the atmosphere she delivers on "The Human Residue." The bass is loud, heavy, and wildly explorative - perhaps a bit much so at times - and Jake's guitar soloing gives the bass its own spotlight due to the complete lack of rhythm guitar whatsoever. Mr. Brenner's drumming is tight and decisive, never losing a tight bond with the bass and guitar. Jake's vocals display a fairly wide range yet with a shocking amount of grit. He sings with energy and youth but with the tense gruffness a thrash singer might have.

The songwriting itself is ambitious and lofty, yet there is nothing here that I would describe as wanky or fluffy. When the album is on it, it is really on it. "Forever Young" is my favorite track on here, a monstrous song with a huge chorus and verses so vicious and expressive I can't help but bounce and thrash around to them like an idiot. "Symphony in Black", "Undying Wings", and "The Human Residue" all feature fast riffing, expressive soloing, and tons of cool progressions and bridges. The best songs here are always heavy and always melodic, and I'm never finding myself wishing for more or less of anything. My only exception is "Dawn of the Dead", which I just unfortunately cannot endorse as enthusiastically. Skyliner here shine so brightly on the faster, melodic cuts that "Dawn of the Dead" sounds flat and drab, lacking the punchy character of its neighboring tracks on the CD. Even "Aria of the Waters" is quite long and slow, but it's expressive, emotional, and builds up to a climactic ending in a way that's truly enjoyable.

Other weak moments include the very end of "Worlds of Conflict," which truly does drag on far too long, despite the main 15 minutes of the song being a wild and energetic epic full of badass riffs and vocals ("I am!! An outsider!! I want more than life can give!"). You could perhaps also argue that the overall album itself is too long, and I can absolutely see that. However, with so many interesting interludes, bridges, and solos to link the blistering verses and catchy hooks together, this record never truly gets boring at all. The songs are great ("Forever Young" and "Symphony in Black" are earth-shatteringly good), the production is clear yet full of life, and Jake's riffs, lyrics, vocals, and leads are so distinct and memorable that this record stands quite tall above many other run-of-the-mill power metal albums out there.

Skyliner deserve to be given a chance by more people, and this album is a great place to start if you like power metal or prog metal. It's unique, interesting, and catchy through and through and I find that the few weaknesses it has fail to undermine the greatness of the whole product. This comes highly recommended to anyone looking for heavy or power metal with originality and creativity. Heavy riffs, unmistakable leadwork, powerful vocals, and adventurous songwriting that only rarely stumbles. Once the intro track carries you into this thing you are in for quite a ride. The best songs on here are so damn good that they never cease to bore me, and Jake's thundering metal quest for God in a confused and shattered cosmos is something I have come to be a huge fan of.