The concept behind this second album by the Glaswegian band Sgàile is interesting: “Traverse the Bealach is that of a nomadic traveller in post-apocalyptic Scotland, trying to figure out his fate and facing the elements while travelling north, battling inner demons along the way”. The image that this description creates suggested plenty of possibilities and a good match with the band’s atmospheric, progressive and post-metal style.

To start the journey, an ambient pattern sets in. The calming mood intensifies and a heavier rhythm takes over. I like the way that Sgàile take their time and act as our guide. The style of “Psalms to Shout at the Void” is very much one of post-rock. Airy vocals enter the fray, matching the mood. It’s not shocking in any way, which I like. Rather there is control and a sense of forward movement, with the passing scenery being represented by the colourful instrumental work. The vocals have a bleak message but this is counterbalanced by the energy of the song. “Lamentations by the Lochan” starts more explosively. There’s a strong technicality about the guitar work. I did feel that the vocals, which had the same distant quality as on the first song, seemed to be at odds with the greater ferocity and lagged behind. This part wasn’t working for me. On the other hand the instrumentals are dynamic and generate a sense of angst and urgency, while rolling along melodiously if perhaps for too long. I felt this song didn’t go anywhere after 5 or 6 minutes.

Sgàile come back with “The Ptarmigans Cry”, a fine song which is prog in its wordiness and style but also one with a dynamic urgency and richness of mix thanks to its combination of prog metal and dreaminess. After a pleasant instrumental interlude, Sgàile embark upon the melodic and rocky “Silence”. I wondered how the band were going to keep this song going for 11 minutes but after hooking us in with the song, we enter prog land and more musically adventurous territory. “Silence” is captivating and epic. “The Broken Spectre” tones things down. The album closes with “Entangled in the Light”. Sgàile finish on a high note with a well-balanced, delicate song with great progressive-style instrumentals, epic touches and reflective moments.

My response to “Traverse the Bealach” is mixed. I saw great potential in the concept of this album and without doubt Sgàile seemingly effortlessly scale heights with their fluidity and instrumental finesse but I found myself drifting in and out. The style of the songs varies, which is a good thing, but moments of wonderment, epic excitement and dazzling musicianship were counterbalanced by passages of pedestrian progress. I lost the sense of the journey and the central theme, but I enjoyed the album nonetheless. Sgàile know how to write a song and create captivating progressive music.

(6.5/10 Andrew Doherty)

https://www.facebook.com/sgaileband

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/traverse-the-bealach