Stabile, guest guitarist Chris Gaf-
fery of Savatage, and guest key-
boardist Michael Pinnella of Sym-
phony X. Surprisingly meaningful
lyrics on several of the nine tracks
and spectacular vocals by front
man Hollywood How add to the
record’s strength.
Throughout, Dark Sky Choir rely
heavily on the influences they’ve
developed over the years individ-
ually and as a metal tribute. A hint
of Metallica surfaces on the politi-
cal opener, “Death of a Nation,”
which mourns the current state of
government in America. Motley
Crue get the nod in the snotty sin-
gle, “Like It or Not.” “Walking By
Myself” struts with the rebellious
attitude of Skid Row but with the
structure and progressions of Ju-
NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 5
das Priest and Iron Maiden.
Particularly snappy production
helps “The Sails of Charon” glide
into a nice acoustic finish. The
mercy-minded “Cry for the Le-
gions” shows the compassionate
side of the bands as they march
and stomp toward a solution to
the world’s ills. They also have
something to say about the lunacy
and stupidity of war through the
eyes of a combat sniper on the
ironically versed “Show No Mer-
cy,” featuring an explosive solo
by Caffery. But the standout track
is the most beautiful: the closing
Wizards of Winter/Trans-Siberian
Orchestra-like instrumental “Bed-
ouin Caravan,” which ably blends
layers of Gorhaus’ guitars and
Pinnella’s keyboards into a suite
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151