SHATTERED SKIES Muted Neon

SELF-RELEASED

Rejigged progressive metallers find a bright new future

It’s taken Dublin-based power progsters Shattered Skies a while to get back on their feet after splitting with vocalist Sean Murphy in 2015, but their second album has proved to be worth the wait. Impressive new singer Gerry Brown is now in place and the four-piece have retained their heaviness, chunky grooves and techy wizardry. Yet clearly, they have no interest in maintaining the status quo. The most exciting moments on Muted Neon occur when they allow their colourful electronic experimentation to run amok. Stunning single,

You Will Know My Name, comes off like Dream Theater and Devin Townsend contributing to the 1986 Transformers movie soundtrack. Similarly, Meractor Map brandishes its 80s influences in a way that’s almost Carpenter Brut-esque. The band have revealed that, lyrically, these songs are about overcoming adversity and, equally, Muted Neon sounds every bit as triumphant.

FOR FANS OF: Devin Townsend, Dream Theater, Stan Bush

DANNII LEIVERS