Almost a year after their sophomore release “Nectar”, Silent Skies, the music project of vocalist & lyricist Tom S. Englund (Everygrey, Redemption) and pianist & keyboardist Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Threads of Fate), returns with their third album titled “Dormant”.
The new release follows the same music path as the previous two works, except that this time they have enhanced their sound with additional ambient elements with the use of more keyboards and a few strings. I really like how the music complements Tom’s distinctive voice, evoking deep feelings of redemption and empathy. Of course, the lyrics play an important role in this as well. The more you listen to the music and read the lyrics, the more you will feel the emotional tone of the songs. Tom has written some of his best lyrics here, and Vikram has done the same for the music. The production is crystal clear and full. It couldn’t have been anything less than excellent, cuz Tom and Vikram both took care of it.
The album opens ideally with “Construct”, a wonderful song that immediately delights the listener, and concludes with the atmospheric and moody “The Last on Earth”. It would be remiss not to mention tracks such as “New Life”, “Churches”, “Reset”, “Tides”, “The Real Me”, “Light Up the Dark”, and “Dormant”, which showcase the talent and musical prowess of two exceptional musicians. Furthermore, the three covers – bonus tracks are fine, but they don’t make any difference to me.
“Dormant” is an album that demands to be experienced fully, with its deep soundscapes and emotionally charged lyrics leaving an unforgettable impact on the listener. It’s not an easy-listening album by any means, and it’s not meant for every time of the day. Better listen to it at night by candlelight with a relaxing drink to completely immerse yourself in it.
The melancholy melodies, the emotive vocals, and the introspective lyrics create a captivating and deeply touching atmosphere throughout the album. “Dormant” is a very artistic album that can be defined as an alluring cinematic journey through the depths of our own feelings, exploring the complexities of the human psyche and delving into the darkness and light that dwell within us all. Approach it gently, and prepare to be psychologically and emotionally awakened by its musical energy.
