Review Summary: Gatekeeper’s epic metal takes a bold leap forward with From Western Shores
Five years after East of Sun, Gatekeeper’s sophomore full-length sees the Canadian epic metallers return with a vengeance. Their dynamic has been shaken up with new singer Tyler Anderson and lead guitarist Adam Bergen entering the fold, resulting in a more accessible presentation compared to previous releases. Thankfully these factors never undermine the group’s mission and end up enhancing it in certain regards.
The production and musicianship on From Western Shores certainly shows considerable polish than before. Previous vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud’s shoes are sufficiently filled as Anderson provides similar grit somewhere between Jon Oliva and Eric Adams with a heightened melodic timbre. The other musicians also come out stronger with the guitars sounding fuller, the drums injected with more life, and the extra layer playing up the grandiose atmosphere. As much as I enjoy East of Sun’s raw charm, this has some serious oomph to it.
That extra power also gives the songwriting more conviction as it balances climactic structures with catchier hooks. The latter is especially potent on “Twisted Towers,” an insanely infectious charge whose borderline poppy vocals and Maiden-esque guitars channel the band that its title is likely paying homage to. The title track is a strong opener with an immediate pace rounded by an uplifting chorus and ”Immigrant Song” howls, “Exiled King” is the album’s most triumphant march, and “Nomads” is a straightforward but impactful anthem. I can also appreciate “Shadow and Stone” and “Desert Winds” for dipping into the band’s slower side, the former having a skaldic overcast and the latter pushing a determined climb.
Overall, Gatekeeper makes a dramatic leap forward with From Western Shores. “Improvement” isn’t a word I’d like to use in this context when East of Sun was already so bold, but the musicianship brings some needed punch and the layout makes it more palatable for newer listeners. It’s easy to imagine fans of Visigoth and Atlantean Kodex getting into it anr there’s a contemporary appeal that keeps it from feeling played out.
Hopefully the next effort won’t take another half decade but the band will be on the rise either way. If the next two albums get north and south in their titles, we’ll be golden!
