Skywalker Are in the Groove in All News Is Bad News
Skywalker is one of the leading representatives of the Czech hardcore, or metalcore scene. After several albums, EPs and singles, they come with another ten tracks. On the new album, All News Is Bad News they have gone a bit harder than on the previous Late Eternity and remind us that they still have enough ideas and energy.
After their experience in the local Eurovision round and the realization that genres like hardcore, punk or metal are not exactly favoured by the mainstream, Skywalker didn't leave with their heads lowered but instead even more empowered, enriched by their experience and reassured that they are doing what they do right. The proof that their passion and commitment has not waned is the new album.
Skywalker have never been just pure hardcore or metalcore. Along with hard, thunderous riffs, they can also sneak some pop-punk melodies into their songs. This is exactly what they show from the first song on "All News Is Bad News", and so in the title track we get to the uncompromising, metal guitars, the obligatory double drum pedal and screaming, and we get to the brightened up pop-punk chorus.
This contrast can be heard throughout the album. For example, in the single "Effigy", which was released last year, we are hit with angry guttural vocals in the chorus against a literally sweet, melodic vocal backdrop. "Washing Me Away" or "No Control" are basically pop songs at their core, but i.e. "Wonderland" is an uncompromising bomb that kicks from start to finish.
We will definitely not get bored when listening to the infectious "Headspace" or "House Of Gloom" with their great beginnings. The songs don't lack moments of surprise or thoughtful changes in rhythms that keep the listener on their toes, and plenty of interesting details are discovered with each successive listen.
What can you appreciate as a musician on the album?
All News Is Bad News is a hard-hitting, melodic and imaginative album that entertains with its musicality, carefully constructed arrangements and, most importantly, well-written songs. There are guest appearances on three songs, with Christopher Hiller from Germany's Chiefland (on "A World To Win"), Matty from No Case No Face (the aforementioned "Washing Me Away" track) and Alan Grnja from Dutch deathcore outfit Distant joining the band on the closing "No Sanctuary". The album was produced by the band's drummer Damián Kučera and the result only testifies to his skill and accumulated experience.
Skywalker – All News Is Bad News
ANKN Records, 00:37:00
metalcore/hardcore/punk
80 %
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