This band actually began as a solo project for guitarist JEFF BLACK all the way back in 2009 but then from 2010 he expanded to bringing on board three more musicians to form a band with him as rhythm guitarist. This lineup with four members formed the band who are still called GATEKEEPER, however it wasn't until 2013 when they released their first EP called PROPHECY AND JUDGEMENT and then a live album titled SHADOW OVER CALGARAE came in that same year. Then 2015 saw another EP come to us which was VIGILANCE, before the band did two split albums, followed by a demo in 2016 and then this same single was featured on their debut album EAST OF SUN in 2018.

Before their debut album came out, there were two new additions to the band, who have remained up until the present day, vocalist/bassist DAVID MESSIER and drummer/percussionist TOMMY TRO as JEFF BLACK did. There was a new singer and guitarist as well, but after their next EP in 2019 called GREY MAIDEN, both of them left which was when vocalist TYLER ANDERSON and vocalist/guitarist ADAM BERGEN came into the lineup. This still is the current lineup as the band released one single in 2022 and then two more singles in 2023, which all three singles can now be heard on the band's latest release, studio album titled FROM WESTERN SHORES.

Their second studio album begins with the title track "From Western Shores" as water is washing away before guitar strum; those first couple of notes as drums also join in a building crescendo as vocals also enter the fore with screams in the background. Drums play a steady backbeat with vocals overpowering the mix, but allowing guitar to have their say as well, marking those notes where cymbal hits occur too. Halfway through the track, another build up of drums comes to guitar playing magnificently and in a soloistic sense of purpose and drive. The backing vocals can also be heard which do play a part in this track as the album has just begun as the track repeats what we heard before we go into "Death On Black Wings".

Another belter of a track with snare hits to gear up this riveting track as guitar gets ready also to bring in the vocals, slowly at first of course and drums connect the intro to a more rhythmic pattern. Cymbal hits are present for when vocals do come, as the hard rock 80's sound is certainly being heard, as we also hear synths playing along in the background, such epic episodes of both guitars or vocals. Vocals go high enough with angelic range as guitars support so well and then momentum is a key factor here, but we must move on into the next track, up next is  "Shadow And Stone". Slow low toned drums come in first and then vocals with guitars ringing with harmonic playing, is the intro, as the tempo is not as fast as before, more steady and more clarity or focus.

There is plenty of ornamentation and rhythm being used as techniques to make this track stand out more, as drums lash out several accents and pronounce those cymbal hits too. Guitar goes wild for a section as drums lurk in the background, but then vocals rejoin to make the band unison very much effective as the track has been as it is nearly seven minutes of just wonderful and amazing arrangement.  "Exiled King" has lovely guitar playing, two guitar parts we can hear, then a slow crescendo of drums gradually building up to a point where we also hear vocal chanting. Drums seem to have the same rhythm in mind as we hear those same accents being marked and the overall atmosphere is just so positive and very creative as well.

The vocal harmonies as well makes this fourth track stand out too before we go into the next track  "Nomads" as heavy duty guitar riffs come in with drums flying on a pretty cool pattern as cymbal hits come in one after another. Vocal very much on the ascending factor in this track once more as the heavy metal elements are very much alive and active as drums and guitars portray this at their very best. Guitars also have their chance to expand their solo muscles and allow drums to provide the backing guitar needs to propel the track in tempo faster and better, then going back to the original tempo.

"Twisted Towers" literally kicks ass for a drum intro on the floor as we hear those glam rock'n'roll vocals with such style and persistence. The tone is set by bass guitar which is subtle as electric guitars are more prominent as they should be, vocals are so determined and full of spunk, the words spoken with hardcore attitude maybe cries of angst. Staccato notes from drums come in also briefly, but then the full band unison is in motion as we come to the next track. "Desert Winds" as vocals echo from the previous track then drums count in with electric guitars strumming out louder and convincing notation before main lead vocals come into the mix. Electric guitars bouncing along on a varied rhythm and marking those cymbal hits from drums also, as guitar rings out on the same notes when appropriate.

This is such a good and entertaining track as we do come through this penultimate track as there is a chance for drums to settle down for a quieter pattern and guitar to blossom like a shining star in the sky. Vocals also go a little more subtle as they are guided along by electric guitar as vocals echo for drums to roll on some low end patterns, as electric guitar brings more surprises. So we come to the grand finale of this album, it has been a magical experience and we have an eight minute track now to close us out. "Keepers Of The Gate" as cymbal hits are triggered by guitars setting the tone for the final track, vocals enter as they have done so. Drums steadily playing the more clarified and focused patterns with dynamics bringing out the track with vocals or guitar contributing also beautifully.

A brief solo section for drums and guitar to partner up with then back to the full band unison as they march on as the vocals sing in a victorious and glorious way. Electric guitar with a sort of glissando effect as well as it verges on the eclipse of drums being overtaken but drums do well to guide the narrative with guitar helping out. Thumping drum hits and cymbals as well as we gradually come to the last minute or two, vocals slow things down, what a way to finish and bring this album to a close. Spectacular last performance and what vocal belter as well, just brilliant!