Great heavy metal knows no borders and comes from all parts of the world, as SKYEYE has proved. They are a Slovian metal band that has exploded onto the scene with music filled with great riffs, vocals, and thoughtful lyrics. The band was formed in 2014, and underwent a change in 2016 to create the current lineup. “New Horizons” is their third release, but their second full length release, coming after an EP and a full length debut. The music of SKYEYE combines multiple influences, but blends them all together to create their own unique sound. Packed with thundering rhythms, great lead guitars, and powerful vocals, “New Horizons” is a great album and a force to be reckoned with. Starting off big thundering guitars, fast rhythms, and powerful vocals, “The Descenders” leads off the album with a bang. The fast pace gets your adrenaline going and sets the tone for the album.

There’s a great interplay between rhythm section, bass alone, and guitar just before the solo starts. “Railroad Of Dreams”, is all about setting out on the journey to make one’s dreams come true.. After a little sound effect intro, consisting of a train engine sound and vocals saying “I’m on my way,” the song starts with a simple but effective lead played overtop a solid rhythm. Track after track “New Horizons” delivers fast solid guitars and powerful vocals. The title track is no different. Pounding out staccato rhythm on the verse, and driving rhythm on the chorus, “New Horizons”, shows the band’s versatility and ability to give variety. The vocals also show dynamic range.

Jan’s vocals are in the same range as Ronnie James Dio, and he often incorporates the same style, drawing on Dio’s influence. On “The Voice From The Silver Mountain”, they pay tribute with a song about Ronnie James Dio. This is a great song that definitely rocks in the style of Dio. The band stretches their musical legs on “1917”, an epic song over nine and a half minutes. This is very reminiscent of one of Iron Maiden’s epics. A song about a battle, it gets right into the hard driving rhythms, after a quick keyboard intro. Packed with a lot to say in this song, they don’t waste time with extended solos. There’s just a quick interlude with some good guitar riffs, then back into the song.  After seven and a half minutes, the song shifts pace. I thought the song was done, then it finishes with a quiet piano and soft vocals for a couple minutes. SKYEYE is a great Slovian metal band, and “New Horizons” shows them at their best. Packed with solid rhythms and great guitars, this album rocks. Anyone who’s a fan of Dio or Iron Maiden should check it out.