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Well, my friends, here is a very interesting
band! I remember that a couple of years ago I received their debut
album entitled “Tides of Opinion” and I was really impressed by the
melodies and the lyricism that this band could produce. After that
years passed and I thought that SANDSTONE was just another promising
band that didn’t manage to make something more. So recently, I
discovered this release on the IPool section of Limb Records and I
immediately downloaded it! “Purging the Past”, is released 3 years
after the debut album and still carries the elements that I liked from
this band (melodies etc), but also the band made its sound heavier.
Contrary to their debut album which was closer to the hard rock sound,
this album is traditional metal with some slight power metal touches
and the hard rock elements although they have been reduced, when they
make their appearance they are very strong and give to the sound of the
band some extra attitude. Musically the band is influenced by groups
like IRON MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE (“Operation Mindcrime” era) and bit of
BLACK SABBATH. All these influences, though, are so well mixed and
filtered through the personality of the musicians that participate
here, that the result flows naturally. Before I put an end to this
review, I have to make a small comment about the voice of Sean McBay
who has the lyricism of Geoff Tate’s voice but also the immediacy of a
traditional metal singer. “Purging the Past” as a release surpasses the
debut album of the band and I'm already itching to buy this release.
This is definitely a band with personality…
Rating 8.5/10
After splashing the market with several progressive
metal products, Limb Music brings to the fore what is perhaps his best
album of the year
Rockinspain.es
"LIMB RECORDS DOES NOT PUT OUT QUANTITY
BUT THEY DO PUT OUT QUALITY!!!"
CDInzane.com
Ireland may
finally be proud to have its representative in the world of power metal
Spellbound Webzine
SAND STONE succeed
by taking familiar ingredients and creating a very unique sound: an
album that will sit up and be counted among the more exciting releases
of the year
Hooked-On-Music.de
Inexpensive
riffs, mind-numbing solos, and weak infantile, pseudo-emotional lyrics
3/10 extreemmetaal.nl
(Canada)
Time is the key, which is something as a reviewer I should never
forget. It also helps to listen to the album the whole way through as
opposed to turning it off two tracks in. I must admit it was hard work
at first; I just didn't get these guys. Compared to the usual releases
LMP send our way Sandstone is a completely different story – well at
first glimpse that is. I just couldn't put a finger on what these guys
sounded like, but after giving the album a full whirl I could see what
the band were going for. Think Power Metal as a foundation, from that
point inject a myriad of influence ranging from hard rock to
Progressive Metal and we're starting to talk Sandstones language. I
feel quite the fool for condemning this first time around because in
all honesty, I was wrong. While this isn't flat-out amazing its pretty
charming and fairly original, they have a real 80's sensibility about
them and there's a load of Queensryche and Fates Warning to be heard in
their sound.
The hardest part to get over for me was singer
Sean McBay. He boasts a unique voice which at times reminds of Lance
King – rather unfortunately we see him sound quite a bit like Axl Rose
in "Y". However things could really be a lot worse, as Sean boasts a
good sense of melody and can definitely hold a note. I found with time
that his vocals really grew on me, which is something common with
everything on offer on Purging the Past. Repeated listens are
nigh on essential to open this up, but if you take the time you're
certainly rewarded. Again to draw comparisons, Fates Warning's 1991
release Parallels is another good example of what these guys
sound like, Purging the Past has a similar feel to it, melodic,
heartfelt and easy on the ears. There are some really great songs to be
had here too: album opener "Anymore Lies" gives a good feel as to what
the band are about, boasting some stellar guitar work – something that
really stands out actually, singer Sean McBay and Steve McLaughlin
handle the guitars and deliver to a very high melodic standard, great
guitar solos and some smoking riffage are served up throughout. "Son of
Carthage" is a great prog/power track and stands as a personal
highlight, it would be nice to see more tracks like this on future
releases. "DOA" is another highlight for me, Sandstone really do
everything right here, especially the guitar work both in the main riff
and chorus, and lets not forget how cool the mid-section and solo are.
While I'm swallowing down the humble pie in front
of me I'd just like to say I'm glad I invested my time with this band.
It's definitely worth it and I'd like to hope a lot more people will
find something special on Purging the Past. While this isn't
flat out amazing, or reinventing the genre for that matter, Sandstone
serve up a truly heartfelt album, oozing with charm and energy. The
Progressive Metal genre could definitely do with some more albums like
this; it's increasingly rarer we see albums ringing true to the pre
Images & Words Progressive Metal scene. Perfect Sunday afternoon
listening, sit back relax and enjoy the offer – just remember things
might not click the first time around! Recommended.
Rating: 4/5
(Netherlands)
Damn crazy how things can turn out. When I first listened to this album
I didn’t like it at all. Too long, directionless, no good songs, lack
of catchy tunes, all fillers no killers and already heard in the past
(but much better). So before writing the review, I decided to give it
some extra time. I wanted to know what all that fuss about was. The
album received overwhelming reviews and record label Limb Music decided
to re-release the album all over Europe with new artwork and the album
was remixed and re-mastered by Uwe Lulis (Rebellion, ex-Grave Digger).
And glorie halleluja! They were right. After some spins in my CD layer,
I had to change my opinion on this second full CD release by Irish
youngsters Sandstone. The album turned out to be a grower and finally
rocked my socks off. Vocalist Sean McBay is a brilliant singer and his
companions are damn good musicians. The album brings back the glory
days of NWOBHM but served upon a modern plate of progressive rock with
well crafted and fresh songs. You want names? Well, the album reminds
me of Queensryche, Dream Theater (same great ballads), Iron Maiden,
Vanden Plas, Dragonforce and even Guns’n’Roses. When some weaker songs
would have left out, this could even have been a real killer.
Sandstone clearly shows that Ireland is far more than Thin Lizzy, Rory
Gallagher, Gary Moore or U2. Sandstone is the best metal band in
Ireland at the moment. ‘Purging The Past’ puts Ireland right on the map
of heavy metal. And that was about time. Fine release by a brave band.
Recommended!
Rating: 8.5/10
(Germany)
Purging The Past "is the second
album by the Irishman SAND STONE, present themselves so completely on
an internationally competitive level. With introspective folk sounds of
the brothers Stevie (guitar) and David McLaughlin (bass) and her two
companions Sean McBay (vocals, guitar) and Paddy Flemming (drums),
nothing to do. Instead, here vigorously rocked a well-fed and flavored
mix of modern power metal and NWOBHM sound, with a subtle touch of prog
and mix to a very wholesome overall sound.
True innovation is indeed seeking in vain, but if beckoning in the
ballad "Y" is a subtle QUEEN-side, or you blow in "The Road to
Guantanamo" a policy document with very harsh and aggressive riffing
combined, can you really a lack of variety do not complain. As a sound
technical models have largely IRON MAIDEN, but also serve Queensrÿche.
The strong vocals always reminded again of Axl Rose, but does not quite
so nölig and proves sufficient autonomy to support the impressively
high overall level of SAND STONE too.
Overall, this album is so convincing and will inspire guarantee even in
this much power-metal fans. Over the full album distance you sometimes
get the impression that SAND STONE in the songwriting a bit too much to
go on the safe side and use the fact too many obvious harmonies and
melodic guidance. A real overheating, which stands out from the rest of
the material, thus still missing. But this is a bleating at a high
level, because both play as well as production technology, there is
nothing to expose this Silberling, who also after repeated listening,
even fun.
7 / 10 (Xeledon /
31.12.2009)
(Germany)
Heavy Metal's development assistance to its Northern Irish home run
Sandstone from Derry since its founding in 2003. After its 2006
strategic debut "Tides Of Opinion" they are now with the successor
Purging The Past "at the start, which was first marketed is also
promoting their borders and Irish. Luckily for us, 'out-of-Irish',
which would otherwise escape a chic AFI heavy food!
Behind Sandstone lies mainly super-melodic Power Metal. Supermelodisch
a balancing act between power metal and it is not needed at all;
complement each other far too good strength and haunting melody of
classic metal-style atmosphere with a penchant for extravagant. Has
something of Balance of Power or of magnitude 9, which the band since
zusammenschmiedet of songs. Also remember so many beautiful dreamy
melodies of the lead guitar at Pyramaze (the entry of "Hiding in the
Shadows" - nice to Reinsetzen!).
But even friends of Queensrÿche get their money. That not only mystical
make-clean guitar passages or acoustic tracks ( "Division"), which
intelligently shaped and versatile complement heavy riffs and frame,
but also a great feeling for unusual harmonies. Sandstone enhance their
catchy melodies namely tense chords. The driving "fingerprints" is a
good example of this Queensrÿche-inspired songwriting.
In the early Fates Warning one may think from time to time. This is due
to the fact that singer Sean McBay a bit reminiscent of John Arch,
although more extreme in the less active during the 2003 vintage John
Arch-comeback "A Twist Of Fate". And secondly, it is because almost all
of the songs have their tiny epic moments and not a single stubborn
ideas and monotone were through-composed. Example: "The Road to
Guantanamo", which changes several times despite its compact five
minutes pace, tempo, rhythm, and its complete expression. The whole
rhythm section here shows a superb sense of delicate dynamics.
So that's the pigeonhole is somewhat more difficult, Sandstone
draufgepackt still have some real neck breaker with. In the crowded
field and up-tempo with double bass act of "Happy Birthday" and
especially the hymn "Son of Carthage," which has traces of Maiden and
Helloween and demonstrates with his breakneck instrumental performances
of the highest technical class. A few aisles back, for example switch
"Y" or "karma", a plaintive power ballad in 3/4-Takt with heavy guitars
... smooth could be a rare but brilliant Priest his ballads.
All in all, "Purging The Past" is a presentable barely an hour for
lovers angeproggter, melodic power metal sounds has become. In
particular, it is somewhat refreshing, and once again (relative)
newcomers in the area have Prog-without keyboard. Although Sandstone do
nothing really new - the title of "Purging The Past" is not, therefore,
understandable to ... quite audible, but the references come from the
top, and the band knows how to combine fresh song ideas into compact
pieces with risk of addiction too. You have on it's real - and if they
manage to cultivate an additional one or another unique feature to
create the next output may even make the quantum leap from the buy
recommendation on compulsory purchase.
PowerMetal.de
(Germany)
Sleek Power Prog from Ireland.
The Irishmen are known for many things: For butter, beer, Celtic
folklore, THIN LIZZY and Primordial. Metal bands in the intersection of
prog and power, however, are rare. SAND STONE want to close this gap
now. And "Purging The Past" is certainly an album that can be kept in
mind.
These are based on the four islanders clearly bands like Lethal and the
early phase of Alder FATES WARNING, and combines these influences with
various double-barreled guitar to raise the (natural) memories of IRON
MAIDEN. And despite the name-dropping, the quartet not now sounds like
a loose imitation of ideas, but does have its own identity.
That certainly is the voice of Sean McBay, does not sound after Geoff
Tate, but bring your own, gentle tone, which also happy times hovering
around the room. There are also service the clever arrangements, the
variety and catchiness to the same extent. Songs like the heavy opener
'Anymore Lies', the wistful 'karma', these are nice with a brilliant
chorus and guitar sessions provided 'Son Of Carthage' (album
highlight!) And the strongly bottom-ballad 'All Operations' () with
beautiful acoustic guitars all numbers of the upper class, which is set
fixed in the eavesdroppers and show that SAND STONE are especially good
songwriter.
While it is not the full dozen at such a high level, but there are no
real failures to report, too. Accordingly, I can Purging The Past "all
suggest that appeal to the reference bands. And this should indeed be a
whole lot.
Anspieltipps: Lie Anymore, Son Of Carthage, All Operations
8.5 / 10
Peter Kubaschk, 16.12.2009
Metal Glory Magazine
(Germany)
Add Metal from Ireland - Who here thinks first of folklore or as
"Whiskey in the Jar," which must ensure that the Emerald Isle has to
offer musically so a lot more. SAND STONE, for example, have absolutely
nothing to do with the dusty local folklore, but to provide strong from
hard rock with slight Power Metal influences. The band shows with their
second album, "Purging The Past", that their strengths lie mainly in
the songwriting. The disc starts with a strong triple - "Anymore" Lies,
"" Hiding In The Shadows "and" Karma convince "through sophisticated
rhythms and a catchy melody structure. Fast set up `s for" Son Of
Cathage "and also" fingerprints "and the strong" Road to Guantanamo
"reflect an Irish band that truly understands skillfully combines riffs
and melody.
Towards the end the quality of the songs but can be for something, but
this does not detract from the overall impression. SAND STONE delivered
with "Purging the Past," a smart and traditional hard rock / metal
album from which reminds us strongly of the rock of the 80s, and a
comparison with NWOBHM legends can certainly make a stand. A bit of
everything, in the case of SAND STONE is not that too much, but just
the right mix.
8/10
metal-inside.de
SAND STONE from Derry to
live with her second album, "Purging The Past" inspired their love of
progressive, melodic metal from managed - while leaving a certain
affinity with the traditional U.S. Metal and NWOBHM (Iron Maiden), no
exception. The album was released some time ago in England and Ireland
and now also find their way across the Channel. With songs like the
slightly epic mid-Tempohit "Hiding The Shadows" (with its borrowings
from QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING), the forward-reaching "Son Of
Carthage" (gitarrenmäßig remembers most clearly in the Maiden), the
critical text written thoughtful Stampfer "The Road to Guantanamo", the
quiet, with DREAM THEATER ballads comparable "Y" and the faster
"fingerprints" should the young Northern Irishman can score well with
us - in spite of a sometimes too monotonous songwriting and a few
unspektakuläreren tracks. Purging The Past "In addition, notes with
Sean McBay a singer whose great, in a comfortable operating level
institution in the first moment for hard metal sounds a bit unusual,
but SAND STONE also conveys a certain independence. The soundmäßig (by
Uwe Lulis guitarist and producer of REBELLION) well in staged album may
therefore appear to be regarded as a successful European launch.
(hardy)
"Technically all is at an elevated level although it was also clear
that the boys would rather concentrate on the songs, instead of
self-indulgence."
8/10
Sleaze-Metal.com
(Germany)
"Karma" is properly soulful which gives frontman Sean McBay a chance to
prove his skills. A cross between Michael Kiske and Geoff Tate (QUEENSRYCHE)
often provides goosebumps.
5.5/7
Earshot.at
(Germany)
A very good and fresh band with its
own musical style and, obviously, with a good future.
MetalZone.gr
(Greece)
Metal-Guide.com
This a band that comes from Ireland,
and practically are playing Heavy Metal, although their music is
enriched from song to song with various influences, something that
makes this album diverse enough, and fun to listen to. Blending enough
melodies, some Progressive and classic Heavy Metal parts, they have
created songs with various moods and emotions, something that is very
good for the album. There are enough interesting ideas here, and the
band is talented enough to explore them in the best possible way. On
the other hand, there are some minor drawbacks, or things that could
have done in a better way, but those don't spoil the fun. This album
might sound catchy from the first moment, and might be so, but a
cautious listener will reveal things hidden, and this is the true
dynamic of it. There are the typical fast, in your face, songs, with a
bit more simple structure, there are more complex songs as well, but no
matter what style, the band is performing with the same high quality
and talent. It took some time and some listenings, but this album
definitely worth the while.
8/10
Informazionemetal.blogspot.com
(Italy)
These are from Northern
Ireland Sandstone, a band active for about six years, with this new
album, "Purging the Past" (which we can review through Limb Music) The
kind played by Sandstone, there is absolutely nothing for innovation,
but it remains particularly stable situation between the traditional
heavy metal and hard rock, showing a remarkable taste for melody and
refined sound, plus a very strong influence of NWoBHM. Going straight
to the point, "Purging The Past" in their complex, is a disc well
managed, structured and organized in a way that is completely flawless,
and why absolutely accompanied by a production that gives a special
charm to the various essays that go to form The way of composing
Sandstone at a first glance, may seem very complex and difficult to
assimilate, but not so in reality, because this band from Northern
Ireland, manages to combine technical and intense, churning out songs
inspired and poetic, wrapped in melodies ecstatic harmonies and
seductive, with guitars always appropriate, both in idyllic arpeggios,
solos that sharp and vibrant artistic depth. Dimension separately to
follow even for the excellent singer Sean McBay, which gives greater
force and versatility to great songs and mesmerizing quality. Listen
for example, "Karma", perhaps the highest incident of "Purging The
Past", a piece with an antique flavor, that can make current Sandstone
with extraordinary ease and amazing simplicity. Irrespective of the
music you like, this is a work of art and absolutely deserves your
attention.
8/10
Maurizio Mazzarella
Ezinealianzacds.blogspot.com
(Spain)
Lately Ireland is a land that is not giving us too much musical
satisfaction, but occasionally appear on stage groups as interesting as
this before us. This is Sandstone, a quartet who began his musical
journey in 2003 from the hand of guitarist Stevie McLaughlin and also
singer Sean McBay, who later joined bassist David Mc Laughlin and
drummer Paddy Flemming, to set a solid and exciting project which is
now published across Europe, "Purging the Past" remixed and remastered
for the occasion. It assumes the second studio work the band after
"Tides Of Option" published only in The British Isles in 2006, and
offers us a great job combining compositional sounds progressive, hard
rock, and heavies, with large doses of melody, good taste and
intensity. Names like Fates Warning, Queensryche Siam or me come to
mind listening to cuts in the level of "Hiding In The Shadows"
especially by the voice of Sean McBay Tony Mills CW, high, sharp,
melodic, well supported by the lens Stevie's guitar work and own Sean,
still looking the more lively "Fingerprints" of great chorus and
instrumentation. More trenchant are shown in "Happy Birthday"
overwhelming pace and compact wave Threshold, the more power and
warlike "Son Of Carthage" peppered with guitars and epic choruses
virgueras and torn, that harden equally prominent in "The Road To
Guantanamo "more progressive and as sinister as brilliant in its
arrangements. That same progressive line, but is found in most
electronic "Enigma" which creates a mysterious atmosphere and space,
gaining energy in other as the initial "Lies Anymore" or the quickest
and contagious "DOA" with the voice Sean most nose along with some rock
riffs. The densest parts we have them in the most somber and melancholy
"Division" where guitars and bases hard and progressive remember
Evergrey, to fall in slow, smooth rhythms with profound environmental
and "Karma" with the acoustic "Y" soulful rounded with a great guitar
solo, as in the intense "All Operations" that closes the work almost in
key power ballad. Very good disc, with a bright sound, and that reveals
an interesting combo that melodic progressive fans will have to keep
track.
Metal Information
Translated from
Italian
These are from Northern Ireland
Sandstone, a band active for about six years, with this new album,
"Purging the Past" (which we can review through Limb Music) The kind
played by Sandstone, there is absolutely nothing for innovation, but it
remains particularly stable situation between the traditional heavy
metal and hard rock, showing a remarkable taste for melody and refined
sound, plus a very strong influence from formations mainly British
imprint. Going straight to the point, "Purging The Past" in their
complex, is a disc well managed, structured and organized in a way that
is completely flawless, and why absolutely accompanied by a production
that gives a special charm to the various essays that go to form The
way of composing Sandstone at a first glance, may seem very complex and
difficult to assimilate, but not so in reality, because this band from
Northern Ireland, manages to combine technical and intense, churning
out songs inspired and poetic, wrapped in melodies ecstatic harmonies
and seductive, with guitars always appropriate, both in idyllic
arpeggios, solos that sharp and vibrant artistic depth. Dimension
separately to follow even for the excellent singer Sean McBay, which
gives greater force and versatility to great songs and mesmerizing
quality. Listen for example, "Karma", perhaps the highest incident of
"Purging The Past", a piece with an antique flavor, that can make
current Sandstone with extraordinary ease and amazing simplicity.
Irrespective of the kind that worship listen, this is a work of art and
absolutely deserves your attention.
Rating: 8 / 10
Maurizio Mazzarella
ALLIANCE - CD's REVIEWS
Translated from Spanish
Lately Ireland is a land that is giving
us too much musical satisfaction, but occasionally appear on stage
formations as interesting as this before us. This is Sandstone, a
quartet who began his musical journey in 2003 from the hand of
guitarist Stevie McLaughlin and also singer Sean McBay, who later
joined bassist David Mc Laughlin and drummer Paddy Flemming, to set a
solid and exciting project which is now published across Europe,
"Purging the Past" remixed and remastered for the occasion. It assumes
the second studio work the band after "Tides Of Option" published only
in The British Isles in 2006, and offers us a great job combining
compositional sounds progressive, hard rock, and heavies, with large
doses of melody, good taste and intensity. Names like Fates Warning,
Queensryche Siam or me come to mind listening to cuts in the level of
"Hiding In The Shadows" especially by the voice of Sean McBay Tony
Mills CW, high, sharp, melodic, well supported by the lens Stevie's
guitar work and own Sean, still looking the more lively "Fingerprints"
of great chorus and instrumentation. More trenchant are shown in "Happy
Birthday" overwhelming pace and compact wave Threshold, the more power
and warlike "Son Of Carthage" peppered with guitars and epic choruses
virgueras and torn, that harden equally prominent in "The Road To
Guantanamo "more progressive and as sinister as brilliant in its
arrangements. That same progressive line, but is found in most
electronic "Enigma" which creates a mysterious atmosphere and space,
gaining energy in other as the initial "Lies Anymore" or the quickest
and contagious "DOA" with the voice Sean most nose along with some rock
riffs. The densest parts we have them in the most somber and melancholy
"Division" where guitars and bases hard and progressive remember
Evergrey, to fall in slow, smooth rhythms with profound environmental
and "Karma" with the acoustic "Y" soulful rounded with a great guitar
solo, as in the intense "All Operations" that closes the work almost in
key power ballad. Very good disc, with a bright sound, and that reveals
an interesting combo that melodic progressive fans will have to keep
track.
Legacy Magazine (Germany)
ENGLISH Translation
Fates warning are somehow lost; lost in their modern, top-heavy
arrangements which still raise musical interest, but are left in the
shade of their former ingenuity. But their pristinely composed spirit
lives. For a long time remaining in the underground, now finally
beautifully revived again in its entirety. PURGING THE PAST is poetry;
the first four tracks will send fans into euphoria at full speed
without breaks, and the band which makes all this possible: SANDSTONE.
This ambitious quartet based around the McLaughlin brothers Stevie and
David enchants in the 15 (!) tracks of this epic Debutwork. A magic mix
from classical NMoBHM influences, Prog-Metal set pieces, wonderful
melodies and marvelous lead breaks from the heart are a true splendor.
Full of complex arrangements and time changes PURGING THE PAST has that
inimitable Feeling, which Mr. Matheos developed at that time and made
his trademark. And even under the genuine mass of marvelous hooks the
music stands firm. Songs such as "The Road to Guantanamo"
"Fingerprints" and "All Operations" are in the best traditions of this
genre, and guard this band’s rank, after two decades, in the
foreground. In addition there are straight parts and again and again
unanimously interluded which liquid bridges between the hymn-like prog
tracks round off this perfect album. The time may be still early; but
the genre album of the year must measure with this inconspicuous killer
work!
15 out of 15
Oh man…time moves on, let me tell
you! You know it’s been a full three years ago since Derry based North
Ireland’s four-piece Sandstone released their truly captivating debut
album Tides Of Opinion? Seems like a long time, but then the band
returns with a killer sophomore album which simply steps in the debut’s
footsteps and continues what that set off to start!
I’ve no idea what the guys have been up to in all that time, whether
they’ve gigged their asses off all over the British isles, whether they
possibly got off those to display their splattering live sets on the
European continent at all, or whether they simply stayed at home to
perfect the 15 new songs they wrote for the new album in their home
studio, playing only the occasional regional gig? I mean, there’s
hardly any info sources on the band, and those don’t give away too much
either! What I dó know however, is that the line-up went through a
minor change with the replacement of Noel Thompson by new drummer Paddy
“Power” Flemming.
Another thing I know is that the new album is simply gigantic! Sure,
the occasional listener may be somewhat surprised by Sean McBay’s
owkward vocal signature (somewhat nasal and heady), but soon enough (s)he
will be drawn in by the catchy Progressive NWoBHM antics the band
plays. Where the heavier songs are concerned, Sean’s rhythm guitar
alone plays súch catchy tunes you can’t help but turn your head and
notice…but on top of that tasty bit of pie comes the topping with even
more fantastic lead play from guitarist (and occasional backing singer,
I guess) Steve McLaughlin, giving the whole a truly Epic (with an “E”
to emphasize the strength of it all) feel! For sure, many people coming
into contact with the band’s music will be drawn in thanks to thóse
songs first, only to discover that the other tracks have a degree of
attraction as well, thanks to the Proggy side of the band…and Sean’s
unique vocal stylings! If the listener then starts paying attention to
the lyrics, he (or she) will find out that Sandstone is still working
with social-political issues, and still holds a justified (at least in
my eyes) grudge against the USA.
Just to give you an inkling about the compelling attractiveness of this
band’s music…when time came for me to make work of this review (which
is actually already a couple of days ago), I was using such stupid
little things as “trouble” at work to keep me from actually beginning
to write, you know…and in the meantime I was listening to the album
over and over again, taking in all the details. In fact, I considered
writing you a song-by-song description of the album…but eventually, and
wisely (because it would’ve taken tóó long for you to get through)
decided against that!
In stead, I’ll simply direct you to myspace.com/sandstonerocks, where
you’ll find mp3-files of three truly great tracks off the album:
anti-US’s “Road To Guantanamo” (which includes a couple of news reel
samples), “Enigma” (which includes some freaky synth in the intro and
again a sample within the song), and “Son Of Carthage” (a more uptempo
track which takes its place amongst the best Proggy NWoBHM songs of all
times – alternally, the modern production on the track puts it on a
same line as Hammers Of Misfortune for me). Only three songs, which
leaves out the amazing “Happy Birthday”, a song which struck me with
awe at first…and when I went to listen to it again I daresay things got
so emotional for me when hearing how…gréat, magnificent…the lead
guitarist filled in his parts during the chorus of that song…I started
to cry from pure joy!!! And that’s from listening to the music only,
you know! Call me an overly emotional old fart if you like, but that
track IS beautiful! To get back to our MySpace page posted
songs…there’s also none of the emotionally-laden (occasionally also
containing orchestrated keyboards) ballads or semi-ballads on the
album, which are still worth listening to thanks to the beauty of that
lead guitar!
Oh man, this album makes me so mushy inside, and strengthens me at the
same time! It’s a good thing there’s not too many bands like this in
the world, because now at least they stand out. Regretfully they don’t
agree with what the music business promotes in general…but then the
music business has been feeling the eronious ways of their
money-grabbing tactics for some while now, finding an increasing number
of young people preferring to (illegally) download music in stead of
helping the music industry people in adding yet another zero to their
ludicrously filled bank accounts! Personally, I’m of another
generation, one that still prefers to have a hardcopy of any given
album (and give me vinyl any day, because thát, at least, I’ll still be
able to play in 30 years’ time!!!).
Shite…that’s what you get from listening to socio-politically aware
bands who express themselves in a such emotional way…they have me
ramblin’ on about what’s on my mind as well! Anyway…I nominated the
band’s Tides Of Opinion as “Album Of The Year” in 2006, and I’m doing
the same for Purging The Past in 2009. At the moment the album is even
at a lonesome top, and though I realize this is only mid February,
it’ll take the release an album by some of my favourite bands to find
Sandstone some worthy competition in their category! You know, the life
of a music journalist consists of making reviews of a darn lot of
middle-of-the-road albums, some reasonably góód albums (which make
year-lists), and the occasional truly wónderful album (like Purging The
Past) which comes along once or twice a year only…but which make the
whole tedious job worth while all over again!!!
Rating:100/100
Tony.
Derry’s SANDSTONE is one of those bands that are extremely difficult to
classify. The band members claim to be a Melodic/Power Metal outfit,
but that isn’t necessarily true; the riffs are more aggressive than
smooth, there aren’t any “cheesy keys,” and the tempo is usually pretty
slow compared to the blitz of Power Metal. The band shows Progressive
tendencies, but not all the time. They’re heavy enough to be just
straight-up Heavy Metal, but their sound is also very polished.
I’m
going to try to explain it this way: you know how, in their old age,
IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST have begun writing longer, more
progressive songs? SANDSTONE is like one of those early ‘80s
proto-Power Metal bands that, after twenty years, have become much
wiser and more mature, but the difference is that SANDSTONE actually
sounds like they’re in their prime.
The
two songwriters, Sean McBay and Stevie McLaughlin, seem to have
different tastes in ‘80s Metal; McBay prefers the American Glam scene,
whereas McLaughlin loves the NWOBHM stuff. This comes across in their
music, as most of the songs contain traces of GUNS N’ ROSES’ aggression
mixed with the carefully structured harmonies of IRON MAIDEN. McBay’s
voice is very Rob Halford-esque, which might seem like it’s
contradictory to his supposed love for the Sunset Strip snarl, but he
does also sound a little like Lizzy Borden (only less evil).
As a
matter of fact, a few of the songs on “Purging The Past” sound like
they could fit on Lizzy’s most recent album “Appointment With Death,”
what with their sensibility for both melody and dissonance. “Son Of
Carthage” in particular has a very similar sound to “Abnormal” from
“Appointment With Death.” None of the songs on “Purging The Past” can
truly be called “happy,” but that doesn’t mean they aren’t pretty
catchy at times.
“The
Road To Guantanamo” takes things in a different direction. SANDSTONE
displayed their anti-Bush sentiments on their previous record, and it
looks like their political stance hasn’t changed much since 2006. In
addition to being politically charged, “The Road To Guantanamo” is one
of the best Progressive Metal songs I’ve heard in a while; its numerous
tempo changes and badass, odd riffage keep things interesting
throughout the entire length of the song.
Amazingly, this band even nails the ballads. “All Operations” has an
absolutely haunting vocal melody, and while “Critical” isn’t as
interesting, it has a pretty damn sweet solo.
“Purging The Past” is an album that is excellent by virtue of its
versatility; SANDSTONE picks all the right elements of Prog, Power,
Melodic, and Heavy Metal that allow them to create a truly interesting
sound. This record is catchy, angry, and complicated all at once,
making for an incredibly unique listening experience. I know it sounds
clichéd, but “Purging The Past” is one of those records that truly has
everything: great songwriting, awe-inspiring musicianship, and a fresh
sound that sounds like a perfect mesh of the right ideas rather than an
embarrassing mishmash.
(Online March 12, 2009)
Rating:9/10 Mitch
|
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Man, the Copro label
is really off with a flying start this year! After I-Def-I
(Melodic MetalCore) and Ninefold (Hardcore/ Crossover), they now
tackle the Hard Rock genre with yet another winner! British quartet
Sandstone only formed in 2003, but in just a short time they've
managed to make themselves a favourite on the North Ireland pub and
festival circuit, gaining a live reputation which even saw them tour on
mainland. The success of their first EP ("Life Giving Sun") made
the band hit the road even harder, and along the way the band won the
top prize at the Hammersmith Battle Of The Bands. In
between, they continued writing new songs for their full-length debut,
which (according to the info on our promo copy) eventually got recorded
in July 2004.
Personally, I find it hard
to comprehend how it still took so long for the official release of
this great 12-track album! You know, musically singer/ guitarist
Sean McBay, guitarist Steve McLaughlin, bassist David
McLaughlin, and drummer Noel Thompson bring a nice mix of
groovy Hard Rock songs and sensitive ballads with a definite NwoBHM and
Progressive touch, which is not exactly so original, even if
extraordinarliy catchy. But what elevates the whole to unknown hights,
is the really wacky vocals of the lead singer. Nasal and heady, it may
take the listener a few songs to get used to, but even before you're
halfway through the 12-track album, you'll find yourself goin' back to
the beginning of the album to listen to the album opening songs with a
new and fresh ear! His voice really IS that awkward, his rendition of
the lyrics so special, you wanna listen to it over and over again! On
top of which, the lyrics touch on some truely deep socio-political
issues (well, mainly with the *ù´µ#-ty way the USA looks at the rest of
the world as their playfield). To enhance that, they've used some
truely fine sound samples, expressing beautifully how a lot of
Americans look at those countries where English (or should I say
'American') is not the native language, etc... Of course, I could never
go as far as to condone the behaviour of the"Children Of The Jihad"
(the album closing track), even íf I can truely understand their
situation!
Anyway, it's been a long
time since I've heard such a truely good Hard Rock album, and for me,
it deserves a top rating and nomination for my 'Best Albums Of 2006'
list. I'm already in the throws of puting together a questionnaire for
an e-mail interview, so look out for the result of that in the
appropriate section of our website!
Rating:98/100
Tony
Without being able to suspect what was awaiting me, I put "Tides Of
Opinion" in my CD player. As time was going by and I was listening to
the CD, I had the feeling that I was listening to an album that I had
listened too many times in the past!!! It really "reminded" me of the
ehtusiasm that I had in my teens when I was listening to bands like
GUNS 'N' ROSES, FAITH NO MORE, METALLICA , UGLY KID JOE and so on. It
was an amazing feeling, as if time was tamed and started counting
backwards again!!! However, I don't want to be misunderstood.
Sandstone's music is not a copy of the previous bands, but it has a
personal touch and of course it doesn't apply only to teens. Actually,
if you check their lyrics, you will see that Sandstone is a group of
thinking musicians and they have worries about the social and political
problems of our world. Somehow they manage to keep a good balance
between their emotions and logic in their songs and that's the meain
reason why "Tides Of Opinion" sounds so mature!!! Oh, by the way since
I was talking about influences the RIOT fans have to check out the song
"Building Castles" from this album. "Tides Of Opinion" is an album that
earned me as a listener, made me think and feel and cause of all this
the mark could be no other than...
Rating:9/10
P.S. Hope you feel the same things with me whilst listening to the
album...
Nick "William_Kidd" Parastatidis
Let me get a good swig off this pint of Smithwicks... ah that's
nice. Okay, so Kilkenny is a bit south of Northern Ireland, but you get
the gist of it. Sandstone are a rock band with an interesting
socio-political view point who are equally adept at hard rocking or
passionate power ballads. I'd say that these guys would stand a good
chance of getting on the radio here in the States, as they've got that
radio friendly hard rock sound down pat; sad to say that FM radio in
the States is dominated by the Clear Channel/Infinity Broadcasting
jingoistic oligarchy who would rather be ass-raped by a roaming horde
of raging perverts than play music which dared to be critical of
America.
I'll get back to that in a
second. First the music! What these dudes excel at is writing catchy
hard rock songs that have just a tinge of the prog. Singer Sean McBay
has a very interesting, rather nasally voice which grew on me like
fungus on the dark side of my feet. They've changed drummers since this
recording, but considering the drummer's role in this band, that
shouldn't make a big difference. I really like the guitar tones on this
album; nice, melodic solos and some crunchy riffage complete the order.
I don't listen to much hard rock these days, and I find this a
refreshing change of pace. The ballads aren't quite the usual sap-fest
that we've been subjected to for ages; there's enough power in them to
hold my interest. Sandstone seems to easily side-step the perils that
usually beset a young band; obviously, a lot of hard work went into
these songs.
Back to the lyrical
content, then; and I'll only speak for myself on this. I don't mind
even in the slightest the criticism Sandstone is leveling at America or
anywhere else ("America", "Children of the Jihad") as dissent and
critical review are absolutely imperative to a healthy, functional
society. I applaud the fact that Sandstone takes a stand and speaks
their mind. Folks, let's not kid ourselves... there's been some wicked
cruel shit going down over the last couple of decades, and we have no
one to blame but ourselves. What scares me is that the "head in the
sand" mentality seems so prevalent here...
Off my soapbox now, and
back to enjoying the music on "Tides of Opinion"! I quite like the sped
up part on "Nothing New", which also has some nice guitar work on it.
"America" is another good one, with driving drums and bass and Sean's
quirky vocals that kicks into a good hard rock riff. I'm not sure why I
keep thinking Styx here, because that's a nebulous comparison at best,
and Sandstone rock out in a different way from Eric Forman's favorite
band. So there it is... a solid, enjoyable rock album with some
interesting lyrics and quality songcrafting. Now where's that
bartender... my pint is shamefully dry!
Standout Tracks
America
Nothing New
Children of the Jihad
The band Sandstone has, since they were formed in
2003, been a big attraction in the Northern Ireland pub and festival
circuit. They have through the years built a solid fanbase and are
known for high energetic live performances. After releasing their
successful EP, Life Giving Sun, the band hit the road.
Sandstone won the top prize at the Hammersmith battle
of the bands. The band constantly wrote songs for the debut, and they
recorded about 30 songs in Stevie`s home studio.
Twelve of the songs was picked for the debut and the band printed a few
hundred first in 2004, to sell at gigs, before Casket Music decided to
release the debut Tides Of Opinion, earlier this year.
The Irish band Sandstone are, in my opinion, doing it
very well with their debut album Tides Of Opinion.
Musically the band play a mixture of melodic metal, heavy metal and
NWOBHM, with influences from bands and artists like Iron Maiden, Steve
Vai and Joe Satriani, Dream Theater, Skid Row, Guns'n'Roses, Bon Jovi
and Queensryche. The album opens with the song America,
who the band also have shoot a video clip for. I like the slow start of
this song with its fine mood and good vocals from Sean.
When the song kicks off it gets a metal oriented style with good riffs
and great rhythm. I also find the instrumental part in this song very
pleasing with a great guitarsolo from Stevie!
Atrophy is built up with good riffs, a fine melodic tune with
nice melodic vocals. The song lyrically deals about human instinct for
nihilism and self destruction. So Pretty is a really
nice ballad with great guitarwork. I like the mood in the song and the
fine singing from Sean. The song tells a story about a
conversation between an abandoned child and his/her estranged mother.
Building Castles is a strong song with much influences
from Iron Maiden, the melodic verses mixed with the uptempo Iron
Maiden-like parts take this song to a high level. I really dig the next
song, Sometime Soon, it`s one of my favorites! The
switches in this song between the heavy riffs over to the nice melodic
verses and the slow parts in the song is awesome! Also the guitarsolo
at the end of the song gives me goosebumbs all over! Just
Forget has a more modern rock touch, but still very melodic
and with a really good strong chorus part. Unbroken is
a beautiful power ballad, with a strong melody and chorus.
Nothing New gives me a feel of the big bands in the 80`s like
Guns `n`Roses, Faster Pussycat and Warrant, the style of the song takes
me back to this time and the chorus gets stuck in your head!
Nemesii is a more straight forward melodic hardrock oriented
tune with good riffs and good melody. The Fall is a
more pop/rock oriented ballad, but what a fine song this is! And not
unlike the biggest hits from Savage Garden. Couldabeen
is another of my favorite songs, a very strong melodic hardrock
oriented tune with a rememberable chorus. Also the instrumental part in
this and especially the guitarsolo is perfect! Children Of The
Jihad deals about the war on terror. I like the style of this
song where the band show most of their sides in one song and also the
different tempo changes throughout this song is very nice. I will say
that Sandstone has a very bright future after having
listened to their debut Tides Of Opinion, and I`m very
sure that this is a band that will be recognized all over the world
very soon for their great work!!
Rating: 90/100
Arne Asbølmo
HOLLAND
The Irish band Sandstone is in existence only from 2003 onwards
when singer/guitarist Sean McBay and guitar player Steve McLaughlin
started to write and record some songs together in Steve's home studio.
These activities led to the release of Sandstone's debut EP 'Life
Giving Sun'. One year later, in the autumn of 2004, the twelve track
album 'Tides Of Opinion' was released.
It surprises me a little bit that it has taken so long before this band
got picked up by a label, because Sandstone is quite a talented band.
They bring a mix of groove hard rock songs and sensitive ballads, which
can not be called very original but are certainly of high quality.
Strongest asset of the band is the ability to write a good tune, which
are very catchy and played well. Furthermore vocalist Sean has a good
voice (you might have to get used to it at first) and is guitarist
Steve playing some nice, convincing riffs. It seems that the band is
working on a follow-up album and I'm convinced that they can count on
some more interest from different record companies. With great songs
like opening track 'America', 'Sometime Soon' and 'Unbroken' in the
pocket they have a pretty solid base for the future. My first
acquaintance with Sandstone has been a very positive one, that's for
sure.
Rating:
78/100
Sjak
Until
now Casket/Copro CDs were sure to be sent out to other reviewers,
because during all these years only the album “Hagridden” from LIPID
appealed to me (and that was three years ago), so it was high time for
another album and I have chosen the debut album of the band SANDSTONE
from Northern Ireland. The métier of this quartet from
Derry
is Hard Rock, so less modern as the usual
releases of the Copro bands.
Founded in
2003, SANDSTONE are a very young band, but a band that already in their
first year of existence recorded and EP and a full length album, but it
took another two years until a label grabbed them and now brings their
debut through a record company among the people. Originality is not the
strength of the band, for that this genre is too populated, but that
does not necessarily mean that “Tides Of Opinion” is a rip-off, cause
Sean McBay, the vocalist and the mastermind of the band, has not only a
good hand for catchy hooks and melodies, but also a slight nasal voice
which brands the songs.
Musically they
definitely have radio-potential, cause songs like the very good, varied
and intense “America”, which has some critical lyrics to it (which
might reduce its chances on the US stations, hehe), the brisk “Building
Castles” endowed with some good melodies, the good ballad “Unbroken”,
the catchy “Nemesii” as well as “Children of The Jihad” with its
oriental touch, are definitely catchy enough to appeal to a larger
audience.
Of course there
are also some average songs as well and the production doesn’t always
has the power to drive the songs forth, but who likes it a bit
commercial, then he should find something worth listening to on “Tides
Of Opinion”, the above-mentioned songs are worth it.
(Online
September 23, 2006
)
Rating 6.5/10
GERMANY
High points of the album are the likely hit, full Groover "Couldabeen"
(with Thin Lizzy twin leads in the Chorus), with it's interesting
arrangement and varied linking riffs "America" (reminiscent of the
Manilla Road song "Necropolis") and the breathtaking eastern-epic
"Children OF The Jihad" (absolute high point, which salutes Maiden
epics like "To Tame A Land"). If more of the songs on this debut were
of this caliber, I'd be giving out top marks, rather than tenderly
scratching at the 7 point mark.
Fans of this genre will find http://www.sandstonerocks.com definitely
worth checking.
Rating:6/10 - PM
Tides of Opinion is an accomplished debut that pays tribute to the
band’s determination and diligence. The tracks are honed to perfection
through constant gigging, and there is a depth to their lyrics often
missing from debut albums. A video has already been made for lead track
America, an attack on The States’ bloodthirsty political stance. Other
tracks instantly stand out as future singles – ballads Building Castles
and The Fall have an upbeat pulse, which will appeal to a wide
audience, whilst Unbroken tenderly deals with personal infidelity. The
confident vocals are backed by a tight band, the atmosphere is almost
tangible. This is epic; a rock sound from the classic era tinged with a
LostProphets metal edge and the balladeering of the Goo Goo Dolls.
Sandstone clearly have a political agenda - indeed their sampling of
speeches is suggestive of political forerunners the Manics – and their
universal choice of subject matter is commendable.
The attention-grabbing sleeve art gives a flavour of Sandstone’s
energetic live performances that, coupled with this superb set of
songs, suggests they are not to be missed in 2006.
Review by: Emma Collins
ITALY
Review by Carl Paleari
Not a bad debut album from Sandstone! The Irish group have made a
beautiful CD of melodic hard rock, that often goes beyond rock into AOR.
Sure, the band is not tipsy on originality, but they have striven to
re-create the styles of hard “n” heavy Northern Europe with a
melancholic sensibility and decadence that brings to mind bands like
Placebo, also thanks to the unusual voice of Sean McBay. However “Tides
Of Opinion”, although not flawless, succeeds on imposing itself on the
listener, thanks to a good refinement in songwriting and a handful of
effective songs, especially in the more intimate episodes. The rhythms
remain nearly always on calm speeds, with a great abundance of ballads
and slow sections on the bill such as “So Pretty”, “Sometime Soon” and
“Unbroken”, while when the boys push on the accelerator they don't
always find their comfort zone, therefore while “Atrophy” or “Building
Castles” hit the spot, songs such as “Nemesii” or “Couldabeen” leave me
yawning. Absolutely unimpeachable though, is the beginning and the end
of the disc, that is “America” and “Children Of The Jihad”: this is
mature composition that succeeds in being hard and controversial
without loosing its air of sorrow; the second track while equally
effective, faces a delicate and important topic with the aid of exotic
Arabic scales and tones. All in all Sandstone is perhaps a band still
unripe, but they surely deserve a chance. The first step has been made:
keep an eye on these boys because if they persevere and don't lie
still, their abilities are all in order to emerge as they must.
Rating: 6.5/10
HOLLAND
Metal from Ireland I do not encounter everyday, but here is a favorable
spirited Irish band. This 4-piece play a mix of progressive rock and
metal and they do it with style. The opening number acts as a kind of
calling card that makes a strong impression and immediately reflects
what the CD has in store. From the artwork and photos on this CD I was
expecting pure metal heads, but the music is less heavy, yet rock
solid. Singer Sean McBay has a strikingly nasal voice, that stands out
well with the guitar. I can hear hints of Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Def
Leppard, Survivor, and Dream theatre. I like this CD, however, and I am
convinced that in other decades it would have been more successful.
Rating: 82/100
By Rico
FRANCE
What, of the hard rock on W-Fenec!!!
Listen Up, welcome to the hair-metal of the twenty first century. With
Tides of opinion, Sandstone have pinned down this sound. The magical
epic, “America” begins this album with all its power, an acoustic intro
with a light and open horizon, and a melody worthy of great spaces.
This song owes much to the voice of singer Sean McBay, while in the
remainder of the album his voice becomes a little nasally at times.
“America” alternates between ballade, prog-rock and hard rock in linear
passages which rise in power via some syncopated grooves to a shredder
guitar solo, Sandstone does not forget the stereotypes right before
taking it back to the refrain.
On the other hand is the rather standard, “Atrophy” where the vocals
immediately lose their charm, (think of a clothes peg wedged on the
nose), the song is broken up by good dynamics. Sandstone excels at
mixing electric guitar and acoustic guitar, for transitions and
atmospheres of the most beautiful effect, the hit “America” being the
most beautiful proof.
Sandstone present a pleasing collection of songs, “Building castles”
although not original is effective, some calm songs where the melody
floats above open strings, The dreamy “Couldabeen” or the aggression of
“Sometime soon”, and songs like the epic “Just forget”, the traditional
metal feel of “the Nothing new” and finally “Children of the Jihad”,
the twin counterpart of “America”. Thus Janus closes the chapter as it
opened, as the guitars mirror the first song and the group follows,
this time with a slight Eastern hook and more energized feel. “Children
of the Jihad” puts a little sun in the sky of Tides of opinion.
GERMANY
In the past three years SANDSTONE have probably played in every Pub in
Northern Ireland . However with their beer-blessed Folk mentality the
quartet is probably as far away as the Dubliners from an advertising
contract for razor-blades.
"Tides OF Opinion" is an eclectic boxing match between melodic hardrock
(' The Fall ' an extreme example which could easily pass for Bon Jovi's
latest ballad) and NWOBHM Vibes, while above all Stevie McLaughlins
singing Lead guitar knows how to please again and again. Good
beginnings mind you, but altogether much is still undetermined.
Rating:8/10
Irish four-piece Sandstone, make their debut with Tides of Opinion.
The band have been in existence for a few years on the Irish circuit
and, according to reports, have achieved reasonable successful, winning
a battle-of-the-bands along the way.
Sandstone play slightly progressive hard rock with hints of metal, and
do this with reasonable success. This debut contains twelve tracks
which are all of a considerable level. Immediately striking is the
gnawing voice of singer/guitarist Sean McBay, who strongly reminds me
of Brian Molko, he has the same heady, slightly nasal voice of the
placebo front man. Now such a voice sound is certainly not everybody's
cup of tea, but McBay's vocals fit very well with the music. It gives
the band something of a slightly progressive rock atmosphere which
certainly does them no harm.
The material itself keeps it in the middle of (hard) rock and prog, but
then without losing sight of the songs, display some exorbitant musical
passages. The songs are good, and I must confess that with opener
America the band plays it's strongest trump card. On the other hand the
beautiful, semi-acoustic The Fall and oriental sounding Children or the
Jihad are also strong.
Sandstone do not make their debut with this disc absolute. The songs
are not yet ingenious enough, but the basis is there and with the right
break. It will not astonish me if, over a year or three we must
seriously take into account Sandstone. Never-the-less an interesting
release. Rating:
72/100
ITALY
Trial
Technical Masterpiece
"Tides of Opinion" has entered my CD player (or better, my
computer) nearly drowned in a tide of others demos that at first look
could seem more attractive. Instead, the debut-album of this most
sensational Northern Irish band has risked being one of the surprises
of the year.
"Tides of Opinion", in fact opens with the noteworthy "America", a good
piece of hard rock penetrated with a melancholic vein and embellished
with a mixture of impetuous composition, and enforced immaturity and to
level of production and recording that often render this debut special.
But it is the next track "Atrophy" that rises the doubt head-on of
being something outside of the norm: riding between Nickelback and
Placebo, Sandstone let fly a piece that is imprinted in your head from
the first listen, a mid-tempo rocking-giant loaded with restlessness
and "nervousness" that makes you want to put the song in an infinite
loop. Unfortunately, the successive songs arrive and are 'only normal'
"So Pretty" and "Building Castles" and transform "Tides of Opinion"
from a potential masterpiece to simply a good album, it still
introduces however some valid moments, such as "Just Forget",
"Unbroken" and "Couldabeen", with the only side doubt as far as the
style, too often fossilized with mid-tempos and ballads, however well
composed and arranged.
Pulling the sums, however, "Tides of Opinion" is a good disc of hard
melodic rock, and it represents a good starting point for a band that
can and must still grow.
Rating:7/10
by Marco Banfi
THE NETHERLANDS
Here we have a very strong band from Northern Ireland playing a sort of
updated classic 80s Melodic Metal sound, which reminds me of a mix
between STORMWITCH and MAD MAX, with a bit of MARSHALL LAW and BLACK
ROSE type of influences added. 12 songs are included and everything
sounds very professional, so this is one of those bands to watch out
for in the near future. The vocal work is strong, while the guitar work
sounds like it used to sound in the 1980s, which is melodic guitar work
with classic metal riffs here and there, but still enough room for
calmer acoustic guitar parts (very much in classic 70s SCORPIONS/THIN
LIZZY style). The songs have melodic verses, strong hooks and catchy
memorable choruses, which sounds best during the songs “Atrophy”, “So
pretty” (a very nice almost late 80s US Melodic Rock sounding Power
Ballad), “The fall” and “Nemesii” (classic 80s melodic rocker). Also
recommended to fans of PRETTY MAIDS, PRAYING MANTIS, so classy 80s
melodic metal all the way here!
Rating: 8.3/10
ITALY
Irish band Sandstone record their debut the album follow-up to the the
EP "Life Giving Sun". "Tides Of Opinion" is the fruit of the band's
passion for melodic hard rock, flavored with 80s NWOBHM. The talented
singer Sean McBay, assisted by the McLaughlin siblings and Noel
Thompson, give life to a sound that, although not innovating, is rich
in ideas and songs that are all of the best level.
Obviously being a melodic AOR album in the foreground are splendid
power ballads like "So Pretty" and "Unbroken", but fear not there are
good melodies throughout even in heavier tracks like "Nothing New",
"Atrophy" and last track "Children Of The Jihad" (truly great lyrics).
The tracks do not lack variety "Sometime Soon", contrasts between heavy
riffing at the beginning of the song, and a more dreamy mood towards
the end, as the guitars dampen their ardor and begin to emphasize the
splendid voice of Sean.
It is not possible moreover to omit opener "America", with lyrics
strongly critical of Yankee politics, in which the band reaches the
climax of the song with a perfect balance between melody and rhythm, a
varied structure and a chorus that once in your head does not go away,
and with a decidedly progressive end.
Excellent songs from a band, with just the right balance between
"knowing how to play" and "knowing how to compose". "Tides Of Opinion"
is first rate work from a talented band, one I'd bet we'll hear more of
in the near future.
Rating: 7.5/10 Luigi Schettino
Full of guitar effected riffory, throbbing rhythm section and power
vocals, Sandstone have reproduced/captured that popular rock sound that
the USA stole from the Brits in the eighties with accomplished musical
aplomb. Not only do they turn on the excitement, they have got an
original sound to go with it, winning accolades at every live gig for
their accomplished performances this Northern Irish rock outfit release
their debut album 'Tides Of Opinion'. The album opens with the
lamentful tune 'America' and its politically charged lyrics, in the
second song 'Atrophy' the band keep the feel of power ballad but
increase the axe work to a fitting quantity, the third track brings
forth a classic power ballad with perfection of vocals, lyrics and
emotion dripping guitars now the band have displayed their intellectual
nous the album move on with track four, 'building castles' increases
the tempo and beefs up the skins while the guitars start to twinkle and
shine, song five continues the hard rocking melodies with squealing
guitars and head nodding rhythms, while Sean stretches his vocals on
'Sometime soon'. Sandstone turn up the volume on the guitars for Track
six, 'Just Forget' as they display their song writing talent with
another twist in style, and so it continues throughout the rest of the
twelve tracks of melodic hard rock. Shuffle along Darkness because
someone else wants to join the table and feed.
Published: February 9th 2006
Rating:4/5
Rock3
An unusual release from Casket, moving away from their more extreme
musical output into the realms of hard rock. And all the better for it.
SandStone have been winning plaudits as well as battle of the band
competitions since forming in 2003, and the Northern Irish combo have
come up trumps here. Starting in melancholy mode with "America" they
slowly turn the screws, raising the tempo, drawing you in, until
there's nowhere to escape.
The mid tempo power ballad seems to be their forte as a lot of the
material follows the template standardised in the late eighties and
followed by rock acts ever since. To be fair, it takes a while for the
album to gel but you can picture the lighters in the air for "So
Pretty", their first bona fide classic song.
They don't ramp it up often enough for me, but when they do, as on
"Sometime Soon", they show that they can rock with the big boys. If
you're looking for flaws, the production doesn't have the deftness of
touch that only a huge amount of money can bring and the vocal of Sean
McBay are going to divide opinion fairly sharply in an Axl Rose type
divide.
Another gem comes along in the shape of "Nothing New" which could
easily slip into one of my homemade eighties sleaze compilations with
"The Fall" going all Bon Jovi on your ass, before track 12 brings the
big political statement with "Children Of The Jihad". Dangerous
territory, but if anyone is allowed to talk about religion it's going
to be an Irish band.
Not at all what I was expecting from a Casket release but one of the
most pleasant surprises this year.
Rating:4/5
Metal4Life
DENMARK
A small note from our head editor was attached to this CD: “Warning!
Awful” it read. Now there are two possibilities, the first one is that
the note was about another CD or secondly, there must be something
seriously wrong with his ears, because I couldn’t find anything wrong
on this record, on the contrary. I was a bit surprised when I
discovered this quartet hails from Derry, Northern Ireland because the
first song, “America” sounds very… American and Sean Mc Bay’s vocal
melodies have something American about them. At times he reminds me of
Live’s Ed Kowalczyk and Robbi Robb of Tribe After Tribe. But SandStone
is quite good in delivering heavy rock with touches of metal in a style
not that far from what was usual in the first half of the eighties.
Guitarist Stevie McLaughlin pulls out some decent riffs, isn’t bad in
playing a few decent solo’s and is responsible for the heaviest
compositions while McBay’s songwriting contributions are a very
enjoyable example of pop metal like “Sometime Soon” and “Nothing New”,
with catchy hooks and excellent singing. Now don’t you run away because
there’s a strong pop influence now and then, because Tygers Of Pan Tang
released a very good album called “The Cage” which was actually pop
metal, and that was in 1982! “Tides Of Opinion” was recorded as long
ago as Summer 2004 and meanwhile the foursome is busy with the
follow-up. They really don’t need to change a lot, there’s a need for a
better production and maybe some songs would benefit if they were just
a bit shorter, with less instrumental passages. You can find the video
for the magnificent “America” and a few demo’s of new songs on the
band’s website. Just do it, these nice chaps deserve it.
Rating:77/100
Rudi Claeys
ARGENTINA
SANDSTONE formed in 2003 in Northern Ireland and released EP "Life
Giving Sun". Soon after they recorded their debut 12 track CD "Tides of
opinion" and have sent me a copy to review. The album displays numerous
influences mainly from Hard/melodic Rock to passages much more oriented
towards Heavy Metal, held together by the riffs of Stevie McLaughlin
(guitar). One can even notice certain touches in the style of the last
MEGADETH Album (listen to "America" and "Children of the Jihad") Here
the melodies are what matters and McBay seems to be a vocalist totally
adapted to the proposal. His voice has more tones of pop than hard
rock. Add to that strong, progressive segments and you get a feel for
Sandstone's crossroads of styles. I will call attention to the large
number of ballads present on this CD... In spite of this, all is very
good and catchy with particularly nice touchs on the guitar from
Stevie. The voice also contributes and are most attractive in "So
pretty", "Unbroken" and "The fall". On the other hand, the Hard Melodic
Rock is on the verge of AOR during "Sometime soon", "Just forget" and "Nemesii".
There are cuts oriented towards Heavy Metal ("Building castles"),
although totally assisted by a very melodic catchy chorus, while Stevie
gives us some marvelous riffs. The others are pure Hard Rock ("Nothing
new", "Couldabeen"). In "Atrophy" they have an air of pop. In
conclusion, the band's sound offers something original and could become
an interesting proposal within the European Rock scene.
Rating:
4/5
Pablo B.
Sandstone comes straight out of
Derry, Northern Ireland and have released “Life Giving Sun” EP (2003)
and now the full length cracker “Tides Of Opinion”. The guys behind
Sandstone are: Sean McBay - Vocals/Guitar, Steve McLaughlin - Guitar,
David McLaughlin - Bass, Noel Thompson – Drums.
If you still use to have some posters with some epic
rock bands from the 80´s or a few NWOBHM albums under your pillow, then
wake up and track down a copy of “Tides OF Opinion” right now before
they sell out. It's always a happy moment to receive a surprise (it's
not so easy anymore) and as you probably have noticed we try to write
and find these new up-coming bands out there, just to guide you into
new fields and dimensions of hard rock AOR and metal, not just the
ordinary established bands. The Dream Zones pages will give you cool
stuff like Sandstone and many others, so keep on reading (sorry, I
almost got lost there). Sandstone give you some stronger moments of
what we like most in the rock/metal school and it smells quality long
way. These guys have the guts to take their style towards new horizons
and I can hardly wait to see what they will come up with next time.
NWOBHM – The old school metal through the eyes of Sandstone. Touching,
sensitive and brutal at the same time. Sandstone makes you listen and
the Sandstone album dig its way deep down into your rock soul.
Rating:
80/100
Johnny Forslund
Debut album from Northern Irish band and it's a class slice of
song-writing and playing. It's rock but it's not heavy, it's powerful
but so well arranged that the power becomes part of the whole feel of
the songs, to such an extent that it's all one big sea of anthemic
guitars and soaring guitar solos, the twin lead and rhythm guitars
providing expansive horizons and high-flying solos. A track such as 'So
Pretty' is an anthemic ballad that features a strong vocal from the
lead singer whose Americana-styled voice gives the songs a sense of
flight as he delivers the lines with a certain mix of yearning,
bitterness, angst and passion. Then you get a song such as the
lyrically aware 'Building Castles' which, while still being a grade A
slice of song-writing, this time positively flies along on a wave of
twin guitar riffs, surging rhythms and economic soloing. Sometimes, as
on the storming riffing on the FFAF-esque 'Sometime Soon', the vocals
seem to be a tad high for the arrangement but once you've played it a
couple of times, it all makes sense and you really start getting into
the thing. Most of the songs occupy a hinterland between nu-metal
electro-acoustic power ballads and rocking & riffing slices of
tungsten-strength indie-rock attack, with the lead vocalist sounding
remarkably like the guy out of Placebo throughout much of the album's
songs. An accomplished debut, it does resemble a heavy metal Placebo on
a few occasions, and overall, the strength of it lies in a set of
rock-solid quality song-writing ad arranging. One to look out for.
Artist Of The Month
FRANCE
At first sight I expected nothing sensational of SANDSTONE, a young
Irish group formed in 2003 foolhardy enough to have an album sleeve
very reminiscent of DREAM THEATER, "Metropolis Pt II: Scenes From A
Memory "... I was thus already off to a bad start with some not very
flattering comments but I was too quick to judge and changed my opinion
on hearing the first few tracks of "Tides of Opinion"!
Once more, here is an album which is more than it appears and reveals
to be if not a total success, at least a very good surprise! Between US
metal and hard rock with heavy tints of NWOBHM ala LILLIAN AXE, "Tides
Of Opinion" rests mainly on the nasal voice of its singer and principal
song writer (with the guitarist) which will charm fans of PRETTY BOY
FLOYD and MÖTLEY CREW and will no doubt aggravate everyone else. Even
though its sometimes too much, Sean Mc Bay has a likeable voice and a
knack for melodic choruses, not to mention the amount of ballades or
power ballads (six out of twelve songs) typical of the genre (US metal
I mean) and thus could become genuinely unstoppable hits on American
radio!
Unfortunately, SANDSTONE suffers from a problem of identity which is
likely to penalize them and to confine them to local success; this
group must absolutely find its way and forge a personality if they
don't want to be catalogued as a simple substitute. "Tides Of Opinion"
is despite everything a very promising album containing good and
sometimes excellent songs, and there is no doubt that when the group
digests its influences and the singer lets himself go instead of
entrenching himself behind vocal gimmicks, nothing will prevent them
from exploding...
Am I re-living the New wave of British Heavy Metal era?! Coz SandStone
sure do bring out old memories of when I bought my first albums with
Tygers of PanTang,Diamond Head and Mamas Boys etc.
Even though it's been 25 years since everybody's was running to the
stores for a new record with their favorite NWOBHM band,this Northern
Ireland quartet plays this style of timeless metal very well.
Last year was a very successful year for the band but the icing on the
cake was when Sandstone were declared winners of Hammersmith Battle of
the Bands in London.
Rating:
3/5
Kaj
Sandstone are a classic style rock band hailing from Ireland that are
already becoming major favourites in pub and club outlets all over
their homeland, gaining new fans while constantly riding on their high
reputation for their energy and tight performances. The band has a
diverse catalogue of musical styles under their belt, demonstrating
maturity and musical flexibility that clearly works. After a successful
debut, 'Tides Of Opinion' is a classic rock follow-up put together with
confidence, skill and power that is sure to become more successful than
the last and will expose Sandstone to the limelight.
The opening track 'America' has a slightly modal introduction, starting
with a repeating riff resonating with a message of warning. Cynical and
bitter, the vocal melodies quietly join in as the bass gently follows
the root notes of the riff providing a warm yet sinister undertone. The
first half of the music remains melancholy and desolate in it's
approach, the bitter lyrics the main focal point of the music until the
guitars kick in and lend a heavier vibe to the music, beating life into
the ballad-like track. The guitar riffs have a raw and razor-like
quality to them that is perfectly suited to the defiant theme of the
melody and drive the track along, into a moving solo that outlines the
melody and moves into improvisation before shifting back into the
repeating riffs used in the chorus. What is interesting thus far about
Sandstone's music is a certain retainment of Irish folk values within
their rock. This was faintly evident within 'America' and is very
prominent in 'Atrophy' which is the following track. While they do not
use any of the traditional instruments commonly associated with Irish
folk, they do take influence from the story-like ballad structure of
folk songs and make use of it readily also incorporating themes of
loss, faith, tragedy and hope within their tracks; themes of which may
commonly be found within Irish music. The fast paced jig structure is
also often used in the choruses that Sandstone uses, giving their music
real energy and life. This may be seen particularly in 'Building
Castles' and 'Atrophy' which have the energy and feeling to their
choruses, guitar riffs packed with a real drive that push the music
along, fully intending to swamp you in their sound.
Of course there is a more serious side to Sandstone and aside from
their gentle Indie style; they can really pull off real angst and
emotive rock with a knife sharp edge. 'Just Forget' is a true testament
to this, full of bitter regret and cynicism with rolling riffs and drum
fills so typical of the sound of 'Funeral For A Friend'. As with most
of the tracks on this album, the message is really carried in the sharp
and direct approach to the lyrics, the band define and embellish the
melody itself but it's the words that really hit home with this band.
'Just Forget' outlines a life full of mistakes and failures in life,
the path to slowly going mad unfolding before a recollection of lies
and deceit.
It is easy to see from this record why Sandstone have been as
successful as they are, with easily accessible melodies and catchy,
energetic tracks mixed occasionally with the odd serious approach and
you have a record that is instantly popular with the majority of
people. It may not be anything ultimately different or special but it
is an album that will appeal to the majority of the population.
First published Mar 9 by Alana King of Roomthirteen.com
There must be something in the air…Following on from great recent
releases from Triggerman & The Dead Heroes Club comes the debut album
from local rockers SANDSTONE, a band who've been relentlessly pursuing
their own rock vision share the fruits of their labor on disc with us.
First off ,this is a great Rock album. No ifs or buts, trust me on
this one.
Opening track America will be familiar to anyone who bought the 1st
Rockers Reunion CD. It's a fantastic track & a great way to open an
album. Right up there with any new rock song I've heard this year. Next
track Atrophy is another cracking tune which gets better on repeated
listening.
So Pretty which follows takes the pace down a bit & is a well crafted
song featuring some great lead playing from Stevie McLaughlin. Building
Castles reminds me of Iron Maiden musically which is no bad thing. This
one rocks out with a great drum sound & tight playing from the whole
band. The rhythm section are really locked together tight.
Sometime Soon kicks in with a riff that reminds me of the Black Album
before changing to a more 80s rock sound. The catchy chorus could help
this tune get some radio play. Just under the 3 minute mark they drop
things right down & it works well before they go heads down into the
solo. Things kick in again before the end with plenty of riffing to the
end of the song.
Nothing New is another song with an 80s feel. This song has some great
guitar work throughout. Unbroken is a slow song with a Skid Row feel.
Another good one to add to the list
No More reminds me of Bon Jovi. It's short at just over 3 minutes &
doesn't fully work for me.
My Disguise is a slightly different sound. Very catchy. Could easily be
a hit single with airplay & a video. The Last One has some good bits
but doesn't do it for me.
The Fall could have come off any recent Bon Jovi album. This really is
a fantastic track with hit written all over it. If this had appeared on
the New Jersey Cowboy's last album it would have been a hit no problem.
Couldabeen is the last track on the album & brings things to an end in
fine fashion. Currently tied with America & The Fall for my favorite
track on the album it's long at over 6 minutes but not boring as some
long songs tend to be.
Throughout the album the playing & singing is top notch but special
mention has to go to Stevie who is fantastic. He really is a very
underrated guitarist who shows his class throughout.
The quality of songwriting is very high & a great production job brings
the quality to the fore. Produced locally as well so you can shove your
expensive studios where the sun don't shine!
Rating:8/10
Ben Burns
These Derry lads are very busy at the moment, recording their debut
album, due out sometime this year. The tracks we have chosen as
downloads are from a 5 track promo CD, called "Tides Of Opinion"
that the group just recorded in March(04). One of the tracks,
"America", was inspired by the world events that have followed on from
September 11th, and by all accounts has been very well received locally
for SANDSTONE. The lyrics are very well put, and show
off the groups lyrical appeal very well. We have included the lyrics
below, for you guys to make up you're own minds. You can find the
lyrics, from the other two tracks, on the bands website.
Throughout all of the
material we got to listen to, all lyrics are emotive, wrote from the
heart. The group consists of, Chris Towe on drums, David Mc Laughlin on
bass, his brother Stevie on Guitar, and Sean Brown on vocal duty.
SANDSTONE formed in January 2003, and have already
earned a loyal following on the northern college circuit, and in their
home town, Derry.
Their style has a huge
taste of that Rock sound, only found locally in Ireland. All tracks
have a dramatic side creating that epic vibe, and the lads are not
afraid to get stuck in to the solo's, the guitar leads the way nicely
in the right places in most of their current material. They don't seem
to rely too heavily on verses/chorus' and layouts are not what you
would expect from tracks that you could easily describe as quite
ballady on first listen. There's some very strong hooks, that wouldn't
seem out of place in the closing credits of a Hollywood movie, etc.
This is epic movie music to
us, and the best example of this, is our personal favorite, "Unbroken".
But we have to say that, "America" does seem to be the one most favored
by folks over the net, which we found out on our travels. Both take you
on a Meatloaf-esque journey, fast and furious, and, sweet and subtle
all in one track. There seems to be so many phrases (in music terms),
but it all leads healthily to the next part. "Traffic", the third track
we have chosen starts off with a v. nice synth, quite mellow, and then
opens up with the trademark powerful guitars that SANDSTONE
include in all their material.
We think all 3 tracks have
energy and vitality sprinkled all over them, and cant wait to hear the
album, when its done. We will let you know if we get any news on that.
The lads are also busy gigging over the next few months. We have a list
of some of their upcoming few gigs down below, and again, there is a
full list of the lads gigs for the year on their website. Welcome
to the sound of SANDSTONE ! |
