Vancouver (BC) – Canadian Epic/Melodic Heavy Metal heroes Gatekeeper will release From Western Shores – their first full-length album in five years – March 24, 2023 on Cruz Del Sur Music.

From Western Shores is a captivating eight-song journey that redefines epic, melodic heavy metal! 

Jeff Black relocated Gatekeeper from Edmonton, Alberta, to Vancouver in 2014. Black’s East Vancouver locale finds him 30 minutes away from beaches, mountains and incredible woodlands. He attests to Vancouver’s “boundless quality” that makes inspiration come easy — he is surrounded by nature, after all. But Vancouver’s enduring beauty has a double meaning for Black and Gatekeeper. It is here where their career took off, beginning with 2018’s heralded East of Sun full-length and the 2019 Grey Maiden EP, planting them firmly in the middle of the thriving underground melodic metal scene. It was only fitting, then, that their latest studio foray bears the title of From Western Shores as an homage to their home province. 

Change has been afoot in the Gatekeeper camp since East of Sun. Guitarist Adam Bergen replaced Kenny Kroecher in 2019 and lead singer Tyler “Tex” Anderson supplanted Jean-Pierre Abboud in early 2022. (The band is rounded out by bassist David Messier and drummer Tommy Tro.) These moves strengthened Gatekeeper’s lineup and enabled Black to harness the talents of its newest members to pick up where the band left off with East of Sun. From Western Shores is populated with eight new razor-sharp songs in execution and production, thanks to the band cutting guitars, bass and vocals at Black’s Vancouver home studio. Drums were laid down at Little Red Sounds Studios in Westminster, British Columbia with Michael Kraushaar. And the highly in-demand Arthur Rizk (Cavalera Conspiracy, Kreator, Sonja) handled mixing duties. 

Anderson undertook the daunting task of writing most of the lyrics and melodies on From Western Shores. He delivers with sharp, passionate vocals that delve into topics like pulp fantasy, mythology and fantasy. “Exiled King” details Harald Hardrada, the last Viking king of Norway, while “From Western Shores” and “Keepers of the Gate” are autobiographical and dedicated to Gatekeeper’s devoted fanbase. Any way you slice it, Anderson’s charisma and vocal prowess should easily help Gatekeeper navigate the treacherous singer-switch terrain that has befallen far lesser bands. 

Ultimately, From Western Shores doubles down on the elements that have made Gatekeeper an international standout. The heavy metal parts are more heavy metal; the epic parts are more epic and the sad parts — as Black carefully puts it — are “sad as fuck.” It reinforces the notion that Gatekeeper is a melting pot of styles unlike very few within the melodic metal scene. 

Armed with a new singer and eight indomitable metal anthems, Gatekeeper storms into 2023 poised to continue to fly the Canadian metal flag with honour and pride. Best of all, From Western Shores proves that few can match Gatekeeper when it comes to epic heavy metal.

-Gatekeeper

Review

We kick of with the spine tingling album title track From Western Shores. Set sail for an epic journey, through a storm of beastly riffs and Tyler ‘Tex’ Andersons’ combination of rich vocal lines and evil crow like screeches. It has punch, it has power and at times haunting backing chants that give the song a touch of darkness. The solo especially in my opinion is one of the stand out solos on the album despite being a little short! Turn this up to 11 on your speakers and prepare for some kick ass metal! ‘Hail!’

Death On Black Wings flys in with snares rolls, a fast fretting guitar lick and high pitch scream that takes off! I love the instance feel depth and warmth that you get from this song, with its big background vocals, galloping drum patterns and chugging riffs. Then two minutes in you have this solo explode out of nowhere smoking and letting off steam. The music makes you feel like you are above the clouds drowned in a sunset.

Next up we have Shadow And Stone! We are introduced to a beautiful and charming opening which combines the pounding of toms toms, hand bells and a flowing guitar notes. It gives of a some what oriental feel! Very soft backing and Tex’s lead bring up the intro before dropping into the full fluency of the song. I love the gradual build up among the instruments and vocals before we are thrown around by big swinging guitar riffs and the literal feel of being moved by the ‘men of the mountains.’ The pace picks up and slows down giving you plenty of moments to sing and pump your fists In the air! And as the song rolls out expect big and bold oh, ah chants in the background! Considering we are three tracks Gatekeeper are already killing it.

Exiled King opens with rich and smooth vocal ahs, a vibrant and echoing guitar melody that drifts of into the distance and then a transition snare pattern. You almost feel like like you are looking out over a vast valley surrounded by mountains or something scenic! Then you are hit quick picking guitars and a battering snare pattern! Lay down your swords because you will want pump your fists in the air singing the lyrics ‘Exiled King!’ It has moments of mellowness and magic. Transitions from fast and heavy to elegant and soft acoustic guitar notes. The riffs are given some mood and feelings, the guitars awaken in the solo before throwing you back in into quick picking and heroic march that the lyrics show off!

Nomads punch and grittiness hits you right in the face! This is ballsy hard hitting tune, that will give you the opportunity to headband and throw your self around too in a drunk fashion. It is toasted with little moments of harmonised guitar licks that interest. Half way you are welcome to a a bout of toms and ringing guitar melodies before the song stomps around with big crashes and inquisitive guitar ideas. The solo rips the skies above before you are unexpectedly chucked into passages of double kick madness where the solo picks up speed. It jets off and in place the warm and colourful vocal lines come back in. Nomads has punch, balls and plenty attitude!

Get ready for Twisted Towers! Hard hitting toms and a tasty bright riffs are plentiful.’Tex’s playfulness in his vocal lines backed by evil riffs at moments gives the song fluency and drama. If you love woahs then you will have many opportunities in this song to sing them. You can feel the passion and energy throughout and the guitars twist and turn like a snake, with their spiciness and flair! ‘Twisted Towers’ has a lot of catchy moments and you can see why the band chose this as a single to promote the album!

Next is a midtempo number by the name of Desert Winds. You feel like you trudging desolate and vast sands with its big open chords and ripping rhythms. Its mid section breaks down into a hazy guitar and thumping of toms and kick pedal. Before cries of the words Desert Winds and a tasty solo climbs and descends gracefully. Once again Tex does a great job carrying this song vocally! A straightforward but strong number indeed!

Keepers Of the Gate closes the album and in Gatekeeper style except nothing less than pure metal excellence. At over 8 minutes long, this song is stacked full of excitement, atmosphere and power. One thing that Adam and Jeff exceptionally do well is bring moody and twisting guitar work and once again ‘Keepers of the Gate’ does not let you down on this! Throw in whirlwind moments of blazing guitar solos, pounding double kick work and soaring vocal lines and you are left with a nice nice smouldering piece of metal to take the album out with a bang!

Conclusion

This album is one hell of a journey and should be the backing track to a fantasy book or computer game. Compelling and thought provoking lyrics, illustrious and colourful guitar work and a rhythm section that will break down the stone walls of any stone castle. Gatekeepers new album From Western Shores is an exception and a worthy addition to their discography. If you are new to the band this will make you want to listen to more. If your an exiting fan you are going to absolutely love this scolding piece of monstrous metal!

THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10

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