Review Summary: An enjoyable slice of seventies-inspired retro doom
Following in the footsteps of groups like Witchcraft and Hour of 13, Purple Skies plays the sort of heavy rock inspired by the seventies and informed by doomy vibes. The former is the most obvious reference point with similarly fluid guitar work, chunky rhythms, rustic atmosphere, and nasal melancholy vocals. That there’s even a song called “Bitchcraft” suggests a degree of awareness to the comparison.
While this does make A Million Years rather derivative from the get-go, the musicians form a tight unit that tastefully plays to the mood. The production has enough of an organic feel to make the guitars sound crackling and give the bass a solid rumble throughout. The drums may be a bit more pulled back in the mix but their laid back presence sees a good balance of steady patterns and adept fills. One admittedly wishes that the band would kick it into higher gear on occasion but they set a level foundation.
That level attitude also extends to the songwriting. Once the three-minute opening instrumental “Haven” makes its plodding ascent, “Mr Fear” and “Bitchcraft” establish the momentum proper with steady rolling grooves. It’s also neat to note the downcast sentiments that take hold over the course of the album, “Too Worn To Tell” adjusting the mood and “Red Road” closing out on the darkest Sabbath aspirations.
A Million Years isn’t a particularly mind-blowing release but its steady playing and commitment to their retro doom style give Purple Skies a fair amount to work with in the future. Taking a couple more risks would work in the band’s favor and potentially bring out their individual personality a bit more, but this sort of rustic downer rock tends to be enjoyable on a base level for fans of the style. There’s promise that could really shine with a more unique flair behind it.
