When it’s done right, there is nothing that can compare to a proper work of progressive metal for all that it can be. Yet, despite such grand potential, exceptional works of the sound are very much so few and far between by all accounts. We’re at a point now that when a particularly interesting work comes around every few months, people cannot control themselves and simply swarm upon the creation to pick apart everything that it has to offer and absorb every given aspect of the creation. It’s been three years since Sgàile dropped its last album to certifiable acclaim even if I did miss out on that when it first came out, yet it is with all that’s been brought to the table for its second album that this solo act proves to be the first undeniable work of its kind the new year has to offer.

For all that progressive metal has to offer in its immensely wide range, it’s not nearly often enough that we get to see bodies of work that are pure and simply just that without the infusion of some other metal style be it death, black, or some other vein that some ambitious musician decided to bring into the fold. Don’t get me wrong, there’s never anything wrong with that, but it’s almost refreshing to see an act come across that does progressive metal for what it can be as just that. With the seven tracks of “Traverse the Bealach”, Sgàile does so much more than just that. A gorgeous aural experience that leaves you in wonder to the very splendor that is on full display at Sgàile puts its full scope of talent before us, I wouldn’t dare to call so much as a single minute in the entirety of this creation anywhere near dull. Constantly, “Traverse the Bealach” puts you in a magnificent realm that is absolutely overflowing with light driven by tremendous melodies that grab you by your very soul with Sgàile not only keep you truly enthralled for the whole of the over-hour-long performance, but no less than enchanted. Hours have gone by before I even dared thought to rip myself out of this glorious listen in order to write this very review, and it’s even now that I’m itching to get back into it! There is true magic in the progressive nature of what Sgàile has brought to the table here with few creations of progressive metal in recent years able to come close to what has been accomplished in these beautiful seven pieces.

We are sure to see more than a few attempts at glory in the world of progressive metal as the year goes on as is the case in every year, but the bar is already immensely high thanks to Sgàile. Whatever is to come next will have to contend with all of “Traverse the Bealach” if it is to rightfully earn that top spot in progressive metal, and whoever pulls it off will surely go down as one of the very best performances of the year should they top the grand majesty of Sgàile.

“Traverse the Bealach” releases on January 19th via Avantgarde Music!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Traverse the Bealach” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Sgàile on Facebook here.