In the ever-evolving landscape of heavy metal, it's fascinating to witness how subgenres and sub-subgenres continue to shape and define individual musical tastes. At the heart of this intricate web of influences lies the foundational impact of Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads, whose influence is palpable in the work of Chicago's progressive-leaning heavy metal band, Black Sites. Their latest album, 'For Eternity', is a testament to this enduring legacy, offering a blend of arena-sized guitar licks and Mark Sugar's distinctive vocal tone that has captivated fans since 2019's 'Exile'.
What makes 'For Eternity' particularly intriguing is the evolution of Sugar's vocal presence. His raspy, slightly distinctive voice has always been central to Black Sites' sound, but on this album, it takes center stage, often dominating the instrumentation. While this approach adds a layer of consistency to the band's sound, it also leads to repetitive call-and-answer structured choruses in tracks like 'When it Calls' and 'Silent Wars', which can become tedious for listeners. However, when Sugar's vocal chops and unique tone are at their best, as in the grandiose ascending chorus of 'When Prophecy Falls' and the palpable anger in 'Aquarius Betrayed', the album truly shines.
But what about the guitar licks? Black Sites, led by Sugar and Lee Smith, continues to deliver on this front, with snarling, massive grooves in tracks like 'Giving up the Ghost' and 'Blades (For the Chosen One)'. The band's ability to infuse progressive elements into their songwriting is a standout feature, as seen in the acoustic strumming of 'Aquarius Betrayed' and the layered, airy guitars in 'Prophecy Falls'. 'Above Soil Beneath Sky' is a dynamic track that showcases the band's skill in interweaving groove, melody, and vocal hooks into a tight, sub-five-minute package.
However, one thing that immediately stands out is the band's tendency to play it a bit too safe. The guitar performances often take a backseat to Sugar's verses, only stepping out to shine when his voice quiets. While the album closer, 'Unanswered for Eternity', opens with a delicious interplay of harmonized guitars, the clean guitar verses that follow take up the majority of the track, leaving a sense of blandness that lingers throughout. Despite the highs reached in 'For Eternity', the album feels more like a lateral step rather than an evolution of the band's sound, which is a bit disappointing.
In my opinion, Black Sites has the potential to create something truly special, but 'For Eternity' doesn't quite deliver on that promise. While it has groovy riffs, vocal hooks, and melodic harmonies, the overall composition doesn't quite stir the soul of a heavy metalhead as I had hoped. Perhaps the band could have taken a more progressive approach, pushing the boundaries of their sound into new territories. Nevertheless, the highs reached in 'For Eternity' warrant a listen, and the band's ability to create beautiful, melodic harmonies cannot be overlooked. Recommended tracks include 'Aquarius Betrayed', 'Above Soil Beneath Sky', and 'Blades (For the Chosen One)', and if you're in the mood for more, you might also enjoy Pharoah, Sumerlands, Traveler, and High Spirits.
In conclusion, 'For Eternity' is a solid addition to Black Sites' discography, but it feels more like a step forward rather than a leap. As a fan of progressive metal, I was hoping for a more groundbreaking evolution of the band's sound, but perhaps that's asking too much. Regardless, the album has its moments, and the band's ability to create dynamic, melodic harmonies is a testament to their skill. So, if you're a fan of Black Sites or progressive metal in general, give 'For Eternity' a listen, but don't expect a revolution. Instead, expect a solid, if somewhat predictable, listen that showcases the band's strengths and leaves room for improvement.
