Ian Highhill – Gallows

Ian Highhill
Gallows
Out: May 31^st, 2024
Playing time: 43:36

Born amidst the cold forests and frozen lakes of Finland, clad in leather and spikes, tirelessly spreading the message of the Old Metal-testament through cryptic lyrics, haunting melodies, and doomy riffs.

We are talking about Ian Highhill, singer of the Finnish Power Metal band Astralion. The debut album of his solo project entitled ‘Man in White’ was released in spring 2021. The project itself has probably been around for one year before that, judging by the single release on Encyclopaedia Metallum. Many more singles and two EPs followed. The follow-up ‘Gallows’ was released at the end of May.

‘Gallows Avenue’ is more or less the title track of the album. And it rocks off right away. Excellent guitar work can be heard. And Ian Eric Highhill is a truly outstanding Rock singer. The tempo picks up again on ‘Is Rock Really Dead’. Here, too, the master can shine with good guitar melodies. The keyboards can be heard in the background. There are sacred organ sounds at the beginning of ‘Living For Tonight’ before the hard riffs kick in. On the other hand, ‘Dionysia’ picks up speed right from the start, alternating between fast riffs and guitar melodies. And again keys in the background. A lively rock song. The sound effects in the short interlude ‘First Breath’ are the calm before the storm of ‘The Zombie Parade’. Although, storm is different. Doomy, low-pitched guitar riffs characterise the sound here, which is calmer overall than in the previous songs. So, there is plenty of variety on the album. However, the calm ends immediately with the first notes of ‘The Watchers Of Eden’. But here, too, the guitars seem to be tuned lower. The ballad ‘In Darkness’ starts with acoustic guitars, which are discreetly underpinned by keyboard tapestries. Later on, massive but also quiet riffs can be heard. And a great guitar solo. Instead, the guitars gallop ahead on ‘Angels Shall Fall’. The catchy chorus is easy to sing along to. A thunderstorm and ringing bells open the Rock anthem ‘Eternal Flame’. The bouncer ‘When Hell Comes To Town’ rocks without frills. And one last time, a guitar solo sets the accents.

On ‘Gallows’ you can enjoy timelessly beautiful Hard Rock. That’s nothing new, of course. But musically it’s superbly realised. If Ian Highhill ever wants to present this album live, his bandmates will have to make a real effort on stage to adequately realise the high quality of the album.

Ian Highhill – The Watchers of Eden: https://youtu.be/lu7g_A8Liuw?si=DlBHNE08Lop4X1a-

Lineup:

Ian Eric Highhill – All Instruments, Vocals

Track list:

• Gallows Avenue
• Is Rock Really Dead?
• Living for Tonight
• Dionysia
• First Breath
• The Zombie Parade
• The Watchers of Eden
• In Darkness
• Angels Shall Fall
• Eternal Flame
• When Hell Comes To Town