One doesn't even know where to being this musical journey into a confusing cave of what some can call Gothic Rock or melodic metal. In this case after listening to Greeces's own SEDE VACANTE's release a couple of times this screams out synthetic metal. What got to me was reading their press page biography mentioning that these two musicians have come from regarded academic schools, but there was nothing really of that shining through their debut with "Skies Infernal". Maybe I'm being to harsh about this but the entire album has a lukewarm vibe of early EVANESCENCE, THE GATHERING to LACUNA COIL, something that worked for early bands of the like but yet not fitting into the puzzle of todays vein.

Now with that said, the duo does deliver with their instrumental creations that are quite stunning musically minus the vocals which are less desired for at times. Song "Lips Yet Denied" has a melodic sad element written into its structure that are easily felt through the guitar which can be emotionally impaling. Striking a softer impression of feelers into melancholy tracks "The Other Side" and "A Thousand Shades Of Moon" are the ultimate into their songwriting depth that really show other various landscapes into what makes SEDE VACANTE. Vocalists Constantine Alex and Michael Tiko's performances are well done for there are times when they compliment each other but yet don't so their approach is something of an acquired taste.

There is one thing that baffles me is the well preserved production that Michael Tiko creates since he appears to design most of the music. "Skies Infernal" upon first listening appears that this is an entire well-established act but surprisingly this is a duo doing it all themselves. But does this dynamic duo work with either live and or in studio session musicians, this might need further investigating. Have to say that is pretty impressive but at least with the direction with Tiko's mind, this act might find themselves turning into another innovated path. Overall SEDE VACANTE has touching points with their melodic style that has a classical appeal that can be somewhat pleasing. If this style of music calls out to you like their song names, which resemble romance novel titles then Skies Infernal is for you.