The Skies Above Eternity
The Skies Above Eternity wastes little time. Fellowship keep the big choruses and upbeat melodies, but fit them into a much more compact album. About forty minutes is enough to tell the story. That suits music built around quick recognition and a strong forward push.
Hold Up Your Hearts (Again) makes a clear entrance. The guitar lines grab attention immediately, and the chorus leaves little doubt about the record's direction. Matthew Corry sings with a clean, strongly melodic approach. His warm, almost pop-like delivery makes the music easy to approach, though it also takes away some bite. Anyone looking mainly for a fierce metal voice will find a different kind of energy here.
There is plenty of firm playing underneath. Dawnbreaker brings sharper riffs and guitar lines that tell their own story alongside the singing. It is a useful reminder that Fellowship can do more than deliver a large chorus. King Of Nothing adds weight to the rhythm, with a solo that gives the melody another lift. The bass and drums also keep this full sound grounded.
The clear production makes each part easy to follow. At times, that finish feels very smooth. The contrast between the light vocal delivery and heavier backing will remain a matter of taste. The second half is also less consistent: the later songs keep the pleasant atmosphere going but provide fewer memorable turns. The short instrumental Memories On The Wind offers a quiet ending where a stronger final peak would have been more satisfying.
Still, the shorter running time is a sensible move. Fellowship understand their appeal and let the melodies get to work quickly. The Skies Above Eternity is a polished, energetic record for listeners who want plenty of colour and a chorus they can join in with.
