REVIEW: FREEWAYS – DARK SKY SANCTUARY

The Canadian hard rockers have returned with a second album that takes the next step in their journey on the open road.

Freeways showed up on my radar when I came across their debut LP, True Bearings, which might have been the most pleasant surprise of 2020. The band is a Canadian blend of many influences that combine into a soothing, but direct and distinctive sound. I describe them to my friends as “Canadian Ice Trucker Rock” and that seems to work. The atmosphere the band creates is unique in this space and their work deserves your attention. THENWOTHM.com‘s Benevolent Editor, Rob, asked me to review their new album before he went back to battling goblins across the countryside in the United Kingdom and I could not refuse! Dark Sky Sanctuary is that sophomore follow-up and I am happy to report that it gives you more of what you would want from Freeways with some welcome additions. Let’s break it down:

1. Forever Protected starts the album off strongly and serves as a perfect introduction to the band if you’ve never heard them before. The focused-yet-relaxed wilderness trucker rock returns with a bit more added texture. Some clean strumming and some tasteful use of organ help to make this a worthy opener.

2. Can’t Deny Destiny continues the goodness with more of the relaxed traveling feel Freeways is known for. The lyrics and echoing guitars will have you ready to leave your hometown and seek adventure on the open road. You can feel the scenery passing you by as the wind kicks your hair back on the highway. You could reach for the dial on the radio to change the station, but you won’t, because this track is awesome.

3. Give Em The Gears kicks in with a bass line that would make Lemmy Kilmister misty-eyed before giving way to one of the faster tracks I’ve heard from the band. The tempo and attack are different but the band’s overall vibe is maintained, which is a testament to how well they sit in the unique sonic zone they occupy. The road trip has become a bit of a car chase but nothing will keep you from reaching your destination.

4. Dark Sky Sanctuary dials things back under the speed limit for the proverbial title track. Driving guitars are the connective tissue of this song and they create a bit more tension as the sonic sky starts to darken around you. Despite the more ominous tone, the chorus is catchy and you can’t help but bob your head as the dread builds onward.

5. Travelling Heart keeps the momentum moving with a more retro vibe thanks to the return of the organ heard earlier in the album. These flourishes do add a nice touch of color to what would be an otherwise straightforward affair due to the tight and recognizable sound the band has cultivated on previous releases. This is a great way to kick off the second half.

6. Fortune’s Favourite is a solid track about lost dreams and wasted futures. The lyrics will definitely resonate with a certain generation of listeners. Although society’s problems have been pretty consistent for many years now so it might be more relatable than you might think! The band gives the song a chance to breathe which helps it stand strong among the rest of the tracks.

7. Private Myth pulls you in with a slower start that builds up to a nice galloping rhythm. This combines with the tasty leads to maintain the atmosphere the band creates. The wheels are still rolling despite what may come. The ethereal vocals continue to hammer it all home.

8. Cracked Shadow rolls us towards our ultimate destination with a forward rhythm and sharp twin-guitar attack. Those guitars then change gears and take us into a variety of aural zones. The band is laying it all bare and doing their best to take us home. This is a return home because all good things come to an end. In the case of the story I feel is presented in this album, you do have to eventually confront what you may have been running from in the first place. It’s a strong way to wrap up this sophomore effort.

Wrapping Up:

The “sophomore slump” is a common trap that many bands are rarely able to avoid to varying degrees, but Freeways does the smart thing on Dark Sky Sanctuary. The album builds on what worked for them the first time around while adding a bit of spice on top to add flavor and depth to the sonic landscape they are creating. You get more of the tasty riffs and satisfying leads, a tight rhythm section, and songs that are packed with roadside mysticism that never overstay their welcome. Like other bands that occupy this space such as Firmament or Worshipper, this is heavy rock that’s appreciated by hardcore metal fans or anyone else who is willing to find sonic satisfaction outside of the mainstream. Freeways have made their way out of the frozen wastes, but there is still plenty of strange wilderness ahead on their long-haul drive down the aural interstate. Dark Sky Sanctuary shows us that the band has barely even burned off any fuel in their tank and I can’t wait to see how they build further on a winning recipe. This one is highly recommended.