Freeways - Dark Sky Sanctuary (2024)

4★

For quite a while, this would not have been a band I would’ve included in any sort of metal-related discussion. However, it’s with this album that they’ve upped the heavy aspects while still preserving their more laid-back rock sound. If you’re familiar with some heavy metal-esque cult classic bands like Winterhawk or Ashbury, this is in that same vein – hard rocking with some lighter guitars, bright vocals, tight drumming, and some killer soloing. You might read that description and go, “Okay, but how is this metal?” It’s the spirit and, well, the Motörheadness on so many of these songs, especially with the distorted bass intro on “Give ‘Em the Gears.” And plus, they’re playing festivals with heavy metal bands and gaining more recognition, so why not give them their due? If you like the more hard rock-laden metal sound, absolutely check these guys out.

FAVORITE TRACKS: “Can’t Deny Destiny,” “Dark Sky Sanctuary,” “Private Myth”

FOR FANS OF: Thin Lizzy, Flight, Tanith

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Originally published in Aug. '24 (Issue No. 4)