Skyfire — Fractal (EP)

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

14 years ago today, Skyfire took us on a digital journey to “The Land of the Wolves”!

On this day (July 6) in 2009, Skyfire released their “Fractal” EP via Pivotal Rockordings.

Background:

On May 15, 2009, Skyfire announced a digital only EP entitled “Fractal” for a July 2009 release. This digital-only release is made up of songs that were written between 2004's "Spectral" and their then-yet-to-be-released September 2009 album, "Esoteric".

Lineup:

Joakim Karlsson - Vocals

Andreas Edlund - Guitars, Keyboards

Johan Reinholdz - Guitars

Martin Hanner - Bass, Keyboards

Joakim Jonsson - Drums

Tracklist:

1. The Land of the Wolves

2. Bereaved in Denial

3. The Transgressor Within

4. Esoteric ("Esoteric" album preview track)

The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered at Powernest Studios with the exception of the track "Esoteric", which was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren.

Critical Reception:

RYM reviewer BloodyHawk39 gave the EP a rating of 5.0 while stating;

“I've always found it ironic that Skyfire doesn't even have a full-time keyboardist and that the keys (synths) are one of the best in the entire genre of Metal that I've ever heard. I guess the guitarist and bassist are really good with synthesizers. The first 3 songs on “Fractal” are said to be the B-sides of their last 2004 release “Spectral”. In my opinion, all the songs on this 4-track EP are equally as good, if not better, than the ones from their previous effort.

"The Land of the Wolves" starts off with an electronic feel, but quickly turns into a massive Symphonic Metal festival. Part of the band's authentic style, the 4x repetition of melodic riffs and background piano noodling are still present. Later on, the aggression rises up a notch to the level of a furious Symphonic Black Metal-like song. This first song is certainly my favorite in Fractal. Just an insanely epic and beautiful work of art.

"Bereaved in Denial" begins in a very thrashy and raw manner. Galloping Swedish Melodic Death Metal riffage, then a mad strumming section suppressed by sad symphonic orchestrations. Then, the happy and progressive riffs come in again. An emotional guitar solo. This second song is definitely the saddest of all songs in this too short EP.

"The Transgressor Within" starts off an original way. Almost piano rock I would say. A bit of funky bass and sad keys, then an electronic ambience. This third song is the one with the most electronic moments, and is very close to being my favorite.

"Esoteric" is the title track of Skyfire's upcoming full-length album scheduled for a September 8 release. I'm already extremely familiar with this song since I've heard it at least 20 times back when it was first revealed in the Metal Injection podcast a few months ago. I'm definitely hoping that Skyfire's 2009 masterpiece will be just as good as this beautiful song. Layered with epic symphonic orchestrations, beautiful background piano noodling, progressive songwriting, powerful growls, inspiring yet catchy guitar riffs, and tight musicianship and production values, this kind of music is what I'm expecting with Esoteric this September.

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Fractal” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/fractal/322633991

Click this link to listen to “Fractal” via Spotify: Fractal https://open.spotify.com/album/3fI7NVMQ8B7h4fPhIIt8hF

Click this link to follow Skyfire on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyfiremusic/

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Skyfire — Fractal (EP)

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