Sandstone – Delta Viridian

Following the release of their third album “Cultural Dissonance” and a lengthy tour around Europe, it was time for the Northern Irish, melodic metal band; Sandstone to release this fourth release entitled – “Delta Viridian”.

After the instrumental introduction, the lads thunder their way into the album the wall shattering track “Almost Grateful” through chunky guitar riffs and the powerful vocals of lead vocalist Sean McBay.

There are numerous occasions when the band takes things to a slower tempo in order to let the listener recover from the heaviness of the previous tracks. This can be seen through songs such as “King Of Cipher” and “Winter” in which the use of keyboards and strings helps to give these tracks an almost melodic composition.

One aspect about this album which I loved was how strong the rhythm section was, which was primarily thanks to the drummer Decky Donohue.  As Decky blasts his way through earth-shattering tracks such as, “Red Mist” and “Fortress”, Decky shows that he is a true force to be reckoned with when on the drums.

“Monument” is what I like to call a very “anthem-esque” track.  Within this song it is obvious that Sean (lead singer) put his heart and soul into every line of the song, whilst the background choral effects helped add an element of depth which enhanced the over-all composition.

The penultimate track, “Transgression” is the ballad of the album. After listening to this track I could feel a “Comfortably Numb” (Pink Floyd) inspiration flowing from this piece.  In the final track, “Vitruvian Man” the band give it their all in this 9 minute, neo-classical metal piece which is packed full of powerful guitar riffs.  This track also features legendary metal vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens (former Judas Priest) as an additional vocalist.  What I loved about this track was how strong the chemistry was between Sean (Singer) and “The Ripper” and how it shown through as they brought this album to a close.

This album is just bursting with things you could look for in an album.  Tasty guitar riffs, a performance from a metal legend, a range of styles and a crystal clear production.  The lads have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this masterpiece of a C.D. and it is one this reviewer could listen to again and again.

Overall, “Delta Viridian” encases everything you could look for in an album – tasty guitar riffs, a performance from a metal legend, a range of styles and crystal clear production.  It is obvious that the lads have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this masterpiece of a C.D. and it is one which this reviewer could listen to again and again.

Track Listing:
1. Cat’s Cradle
2. Almost Grateful
3. King Of Cipher
4. Winters
5. Red Mist
6. Cartesia
7. Promise Me
8. Monument
9. Beneath The Scars
10. Fortress
11. Transgression
12. Vitruvian Man

Members:
Sean McBay – Vocals
Stevie McLaughlin – Guitar
Dee Kivlehan – Guitar
Dave McLaughlin – Bass
Decky Donohue – Drums

Tim “Ripper” Owens – Additional Vocals on “Vitruvian Man”.

Links:
Sandstone Website: http://www.sandstonerocks.com/
Sandstone Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandstonerocks
Limb Music Publishing Website: http://www.limb-music.com/