Stormlord: Why did I come across this outstanding group out of Finland that late??? Better late as never – and I am really happy to be transferred in enthusiasm belatedly. It is easy to close this album into the heart, for SKYWARD stuck all its heart blood into its first publication and did anything best. Full of details, best arranged and composed, an entire row of songs lasts in memory after first time of listening; and the well 40 minutes unfold their splendor piece by piece a little bit more.
The commencing piece Opening begins snatched up with a brisk in best Iron corn/Running Wild-manner and little later singer Sanna sets in with her powerful voice preparing never to absolute heights flights on sounding simply and seizing wonderful. I especially appreciate the Finns’ fresh way of composing far away from overloading orotundity. The formation of the first-class refrains leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. Song number 2, entitled Guardian, shines with a chorus that hits the emotional nerve centre directly; in addition fast guitar chords associate themselves - and a fine solo is not missing for sure. The ideas strike quickly, for an absolute geese skin composition named Die Happy follows. The upcoming refrain is simply fantastic and leaves me speechless! In the middle, SKYWARD vary dispositions and become a little more reflectively ere Sanna lets rise the sun anew with her beautiful voice. This is the third strike and many will follow: SKYWARD manage to integrate impelling riffs and varied instrumental delicacies in every track. The talented quartet achieves this goal without using keyboards. The disk rocks therefore without forgetting sensitive (but not corny) passages. One proof for this thesis is the surprising and hefty guitar solo in the song Burn It Down. Next piece Come December clings tranquil and measured, SKYWARD show their epic side now, during seven minutes the band offers tension and relaxation simultaneously; easy to consume as well as intelligent music!
Next sensational bang: Yesternight with ear worm qualities par excellence! This direct hit caught me immediately with its gracefulness. Against the end, Sanna unleashes her voice towards the top and concludes one of many highlights.
The closing songs Travel In Time (with quickly sung refrain), Crossroads (dramatic half ballad with of Folk influenced musical subjects) and the finale Vaya Con Diablo delight altogether ears and heart so that in conclusion only to enthuse remains: SKYWARD is an extensively unknown pearl surprising with an overwhelming song collection comprehensive of 9 compositions that inhere both affecting beautiful and powerful acoustic elements.

Jörn: What the hell is that shit? There are good until really good Metalacts with women behind the microphone like The Gathering or Within Temptation for example. And what do I have to suffer here? Worst Power Metal made in Finland with boring female vocalist with any talent! And Sanna Åström doesn’t look really good. So it’s definitely impossible to ignore these horrible vocals and just to concentrate to the look. The two first tracks Opening and Guardian pass by and no one realizes it. The following Die Happy the band tries to copy their compatriots Nightwish without success. But Sanna Åström is successful with the song Die Happy. Now I’m prepared to ride into death with rejoice! I have to puke right now and I’m finished! Skyward is a horrible record!