STARGAZER – The Sky Is The Limit

Norway’s Stargazer describe their sound as Heavy Metal with great melodies, heavy riffs and elements of Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Dio and Deep Purple. Their second album is their first since their 2010 debut and is described as a modern production with a vintage twist.

The title track lifts off with a thick opening riff tailor made for air guitar.  The need to impress is evident by the amount of high soaring vocals and aggressive guitar work thrown about with wild abandon.  With this much ammo in the air some hits occur, but a lot misses too.  The vocals are impressive, but they’re so high and hot they sound celestial rather than mixed with the band at ground level. The sound clearly reflects the band’s influences and desire to impart a vintage vibe.  It’s a cross between Whitesnake’s “All Or Nothing” and Yngwie Malmsteen’s “I’ll See The Light, Tonight.”  “I’m The One” follows at a more leisurely pace, with both vocals and guitars taking the intensity down a level without losing power.  A memorable chorus is brought down from the stratosphere to complementary level.  A George Lynch style riff leads off “Shadow Chaser” as one of a four Power Ballads sprinkled throughout.  Here the vocalist spends a lot of time in his upper register limiting the impact of the lyrics.

For the remainder, the upper octave vocal extremes are kept to a tasteful level consistent with an overall drop in intensity. Momentum proves difficult to maintain due to the remaining uninspired ballads and a bloated seven minute guitar instrumental.  Hidden amongst the average, “Lost Generation” and “Turn Me On Forever” are worth seeking.  The former seethes with tight and throttled riffs like a barking dog on a choker chain. The power of the vocalist, guitarist and rhythm section combine perfectly to elevate the whole. The latter relies on clean, driving riffs and a powerful pairing of melodic guitar and vocal work during the chorus.

The band’s goal to be a beacon on the Hard Rock scene isn’t fully realized on The Sky Is The Limit, but there are some bright spots that are worthy of a listen for fans of Whitesnake, Dokken, and Yngwie Malmsteen.  Hopefully, their light will continue to shine as we enjoy this album and look forward to the next.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 2, 5, 7)

1. The Sky is the Limit
2. I’m the One
3. Shadow Chaser
4. So Now You’re Leaving
5. Lost Generation
6. Cold as Ice
7. Turn Me On Forever
8. Every Dog Has Its Day
9. Racing the Devil
10. Come to Me
11. Sentimental Guy
12. Takin’ it Slow
13. Silenced by the Wind

LINEUP

Tore André Helgemo (vocals/guitar)
William Ernstsen (guitar)
BP Hovik (drums)
Erik Svendgaard (bass)