Sandstone, Epsilon Sky Review

Sandstone is one of Ireland’s most persistent and prolific metal bands and played as the tour backing band of ex-Judas Priest frontman Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens. Sandstone was founded in 2003 by guitarist Stevie McLaughlin and singer Sean McBay. Since forming, the band has released four albums, with their second album, Purging The Past, getting the following quote from Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson “this is the most impressive album to come from Ireland in many years.” Their ability to mix Power Metal with melodic Progressive rock is the cornerstone to their success. As is the strong playing and singing that supports the careful attention to songcraft. At the core of that songcraft is the songwriting team of McBay and McLaughlin. However, the songs also benefit from the whole band’s melting pot of ideas and scope for arranging the pieces. Sandstone’s hard work and vision for their fourth album was supported by Limb Schnoor of Limb Music Products, and Sandstone continues to hone their live skills on the European circuit. Sandstone is now releasing their fifth album called Epsilon Sky via Limb Music Products.

Bottom Line:  Epsilon Sky is eight songs filled with Sandstone’s brand of melodic progressive metal. The band is Sean McBay – vocals, Stevie McLaughlin – guitars and vocals, Dee Kivlehan – guitars, Tom Alford – bass, and Eamonn McNaught – drums. The music was composed by McLaughlin, and the lyrics were written by McBay. The band worked as a team to create the arrangements, and the album was produced, recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by McLaughlin. Beginning the progressive melodic metal journey is the first track, “I Know Why.” The guitar riff has movement and dexterity as the pounding drums and bass drive the feel. McBay’s vocals are full and lively; the song has many twists and turns with band hits, different feels, backing vocals, and a melodic guitar solo from McLaughlin. “Worn Soul” has acoustic guitars, piano, and building drums that breakthrough to a melodic guitar riff. The vocals swirl with effects as the band builds to the driving chorus. The song balances tension and release and benefits from an intricate vortex of feels and dynamics. McLaughlin plays another rousing guitar solo before the band wraps the song up with aplomb and poise. McLaughlin takes the lead vocals on “Fractured Time,” showing his many talents and passion for drama, melody, and balanced heaviness. Overall, Sandstone’s Epsilon Sky is a solid expression of undeniable power, sounds, and moods. Sandstone turns in a project of triumph, meeting their fan’s expectations, and will undoubtedly garner many new ones. That’s the short of it!

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