Dark Sky – Signs Of The Time

Dark Sky is a five-piece German band who have been playing heavy metal since 1982! Back in eighties they were known as an AOR hard rock band. Despite of the release of several demos, it would take 16 years (released in 1998) before their debut album, Believe It got released. Five more albums have been released where devoted band followers could witness band’s transformation into a melodic metal/rock band.

Last summer we received again some exciting news from Dark Sky camp, it was time for release of their highly anticipated seventh full-length album entitled Signs Of The Time. It arrives 11 years after its 2012 predecessor Initial. Dark Sky returns with a completely new line-up for their seventh studio album, Signs Of The Time. Thus, the current line-up consists of; Frank Breuninger (vocals), Jadro Bastalic (guitars), Harold Merkx (keyboards & vocals), Francesco Pisana (bass) & Steff Grimm (drums). The new album contains 13 semi-length tracks, with the only exception being the opening short track named “Trail To Glory”.

As mentioned before, Dark Sky had been delivering mostly melodic metal/hard rock over the years. Signs Of The Time is not exception, as it features some sharp metal riffing, combined with hard rock rhythm and groove, catchy refrains, ripping guitar solos, nice melodic leads and ditto vocal harmonies. The aforementioned vocalist Frank, joined forces with Kissin’ Dynamite band on some songs. One of these songs is “Forgiveness”, which is the result of an old idea from Kissin’ Dynamite’s lead singer Hannes Braun, which Frank polished into a magnificent track. Additionally, former Kissin’ Dynamite drummer Andi Schnitzer contributed to the lyrics of the song “You And Me” and assisted with the lyrics for “Heroes On Ice”, an anthem dedicated to their beloved ice-hockey team, Schwenninger Wild Wings. Speaking of “Heroes on Ice” it is the first proper song on this album. The song has an infectious energy and a heavy edge where much of the melody comes from the rich chorus. “Fools” have this almost power metal edge to it, energetic and with power metal riffage. A mid-tempo, self-titled number “Signs of the Time” arrives next; featuring some snarly vocals, cool bass lines and even some symphonic elements in the background.”You & Me” is another song that features some keyboards parts, mixed again with some elements of power metal, particularly in the galloping choruses. “Wonderland” is the next song that has some heavy electronic elements in the very opening of the song. Keyboards are pretty much dominant force in this song, creating this massive sound wall, while mixing elements of both AOR and progressive/power tones. “We’re Falling” is another song worth mentioning here, mainly due to its quite catchy chorus. “It’s Not The End” is a sort of ballad with powerful and promising message. “In the Heat of the Night” is a radio-friendly and commercially 80’s-oriented song, while “Stín Kátedra” is the perfect closing piece for the album. I like the catchy vocals and funky groove within the song, and I appreciate the factit’s sung in their native language.

Throughout album’s 13 compositions and 51 minutes of duration, they play some consistent melodic metal rock. To times it might also sound a bit predictable, but again that’s something you would expect when you put a Dark Sky record on. Once again, the album was produced by their long-time collaborator and friend Markus Teske (Symphony X and Vanden Plas). This stellar and bombastic production ensures a powerful and captivating sound for the entire album!

Signs Of The Time is a fine return to form for Dark Sky. Furthermore, Signs Of The Time is probably Dark Sky’s heaviest release to date, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band! It’s cool to see this veteran German heavy metal name at top of their game 40 years into band’s career. If you’re a fan of the band, or some of the following acts; Pretty Maids, Axxis, Krokus, Dokken, Helloween etc. you’ll definitely enjoy this album!

Order your copy here https://metalapolis.eu/produkt/dark-sky-signs-of-the-time-cd/