Review: ASHBURY - Endless Skies (1983)


Country: USA
Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy
Release Year: 1983
Label: Ashbury Music (Private Release)
Format: LP, reissued on CD by Rockadrome Records
Get it online

Having in mind that they came out from USA in the year of 1983 the listener is getting prepared that he's going to hear a heavy metal massacre. That's why a few might have got disappointed by hearing this gem. And I call it Gem because even if it's labeled with the Hard Rock tag, the feeling this album extracts is more than heavy! What we have here is a guitar oriented album, with epic lyrical themes and majestic vocals all over the tracks. With visible influences of the 70s Hard Rock, the early Black Sabbath works, and Jethro Tull's sounds, this band has succeeded to create a unique masterpiece, one that's never gonna find a replacement once you hear it.

How many of you have heard the album Argus from Wishbone Ash? Once you hear it, even if you know that this is not heavy metal, you had the feeling that "Hell, this is Heavy"! The same happens with Endless Skies! Excellent guitar work between Davis brothers, well composed and time-travelling. Since the opening track "The Warning" time seems to stop and reversing. Great solos, depressed and magic vocals, and a wonderful atmosphere is created.
On the record you'll find some OUTSTANDING I must say songs, came from another universe, full of emotion, lyrism and ethereal middle-ages sense. "Mystery Man" and "Hard Fight" i bet my head they'll make you get lost in your mind, walking among your thoughts, unveiling your past and looking at your future.

And what to say about this history-fantasy cover artwork? Starring at it is just a pleasure for the eyes.
If you consider yourself as an open-minded friend of music, make a gift to your self by hearing this diamond of music! Although the Vinyl LP it was very difficult to be found and really, really expensive, the band had some copies left and they're selling them much cheaper than the prices that eBay auctions reach. Also this record has been reissued on CD by Rockadrome in 2007 which you can also get it directly from the band!
...Came the warning from the prophet;
"So shall it be written, so shall it be done"
You can buy the album directly from the band on Vinyl and CD here:
Ashbury Online - www.ashburyonline.com

Review by: Michalis "Starchild" Benakis
07-June-2010