How many acts release more than one album in a year? Probably very few, because composing and recording an album usually takes a lot of time. Moreover, when albums are released in quick succession, the quality suffers. But sometimes there are exceptions, like the British act Riffstone. Consisting of Dave Allen (Composition, Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Programming) and Colin Powell (Composition, Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Programming, Production, Mixing, Mastering). Together they managed to release two albums in 2025, both of which are of the highest quality. So, kudos to them for achieving this. First they released their debut Richard III (2025, see review). An album which really impressed me. At the time I wrote: " Hopefully, this musical marriage between Powell and Allen will lead to many more wonderful collaborations. Because what these two amazing musicians deliver together just begs for more. It's easy to say that together they bring out the best in each other. They complement each other perfectly and create a perfect musical harmony. Riffstone's debut is definitely one to be proud of. And therefore highly recommended for fans of progressive rock, especially Mike Oldfield, Genesis, Yes, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Hackett. That's why I can only recommend Richard III. The nearly ninety minutes of music never bore. And that's how it should be." And now Riffstone return with Sanctuary Sky. An ambitious, symphonic, and immersive album that explores themes of mythology, folklore, and the human psyche. The album features warm, immersive, melodic and symphonic prog soundscapes which for most lovers of progressive rock will make their hearts beats faster and faster after hearing the nine excellent compositions. There is a dynamic interplay between keyboards and guitars, driving bass, and expressive drums. A lot of fantastic guitar and synthesizer solos can be enjoyed throughout the entire album. There are expansive textures balanced with modern sensibilities, creating an atmosphere through lush keyboards and layered harmonies. Music wise the album goes in the same direction as already heard on their fine debut album. Meaning again that there are musical references with acts such as Yes, Genesis, Camel, Steve Hackett, Alan Parsons, Mike Oldfield and Rick Wakeman. You can hear the best of the seventies progressive rock giants so to speak. Just as with their debut, I don't want to review each of the nine tracks individually. I'm not doing this to make things easier for myself. But I do this because I think it's unnecessary to tell you one by one how fantastic the songs are and what happens within them. Especially because, once again, everything is of a very high musical quality, and the album contains no fillers or superfluous tracks. Everything has been carefully considered beforehand and deemed good enough for release on this beautiful album. It simply doesn't take many words to tell you what I think of this album. And besides, words aren't even enough to express what you think of an album. Sometimes you just have to listen to the music to know how amazing it is. And that's simply the case with Sanctuary Sky. Therefore, I can only wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic album. An album that is especially made for people who love seventies prog made by acts like Yes, Genesis, Camel, Steve Hackett, Alan Parsons, Mike Oldfield and Rick Wakeman. **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
