In the vast landscape of heavy metal, where subgenres and influences intertwine, Black Sites' 'For Eternity' emerges as a compelling addition to the genre's rich tapestry. However, this latest release from the Illinois-based band, known for their arena-sized guitar licks and Mark Sugar's distinct vocal tone, feels more like a lateral step rather than a bold evolution of their sound. While the album boasts groovy riffs, vocal hooks, and melodic harmonies, it fails to stir my inner heavy metalhead as I had hoped. The highs reached in 'For Eternity' are undeniable, but they're not enough to keep the album in my listening rotation for eternity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the prominent role of Mark Sugar's voice in the mix. His slightly raspy vocal tone, which has always been central to Black Sites' sound, is more prominent and central in the mix compared to previous albums. This results in an often Sugar-centric performance, dominating over the instrumentation. While this approach works well in songs like 'When it Calls' and 'Silent Wars', with their repetitive call-and-answer structured choruses, it becomes tedious in other tracks. The grandiose ascending chorus of 'When Prophecy Falls' and the palpable anger that Sugar spits in 'Aquarius Betrayed' showcase the strength of his vocal chops and unique tone, which underlies Black Sites' appeal.
But what about those licks? Don't worry, they remain. Sugar and Lee Smith's guitars snarl with massive grooves in 'Giving up the Ghost' and 'Blades (For the Chosen One)'. The album also benefits from unexpected changes in pace, such as the acoustic strumming of 'Aquarius Betrayed' and the layers of airy, harmonized guitars in 'Prophecy Falls'. 'Above Soil Beneath Sky' is a dynamic track, demonstrating Black Sites' ability to interweave groove, melody, and vocal hooks into a tight sub-five-minute package.
However, in their fifth album, Black Sites would have benefited from further advancing their sound into newer, dare I say progressive, territories. Instead, they play it safe with their standard approach. The guitar performances are often passive behind Sugar's verses, allowed to step out and shine only when his voice quiets. While the album closes with a series of hair-raising solos, it's hard to shake the blandness that preceded.
What many people don't realize is that Black Sites' ability to construct beautiful, melodic harmonies can't be overlooked. A Jerry Cantrell-like mournful guitar wailing atop clean acoustics in 'Blades (For the Chosen One)' and in the background of the chorus of 'Giving up the Ghost' adds an emotional depth to the album. Their ability to fluidly shift between hard-hitting grooves, subtle acoustics, and lamenting harmonies results in a dynamic listen rather than the predictable and monotonous experience that characterizes so many heavy metal acts.
In my opinion, 'For Eternity' is a solid addition to Black Sites' discography, but it feels more like a lateral step rather than an evolution of their sound. The highs reached in the album are undeniable, but they're not enough to keep the album in my listening rotation for eternity. Personally, I think that Black Sites could have pushed the boundaries of their sound further, but I still recommend the album for fans of arena-sized guitar licks and vocal hooks. From my perspective, 'For Eternity' is a solid listen, but it's not a game-changer in the world of heavy metal.
