Review of the new Sages album entitled ‘Sleepwalker’

On Feb. 10, Sages will release their new album Sleepwalker – with a large dose of driving guitars, head banging percussion and accessible vocals.

On Feb. 10, Sages will release their new album Sleepwalker. This Sacramento, California based band delivers heavy experimental rock sounds. With a large dose of driving guitars, head banging percussion and accessible vocals – these five gentlemen create a whirlwind.

Sleepwalker opens with “What the Hell.” The quiet start to this cut is quickly upset by what sounds like a gun loading. Slow but dense and reverberating rhythms then pull listeners in, while higher vocals play across the top. This is a strong opening track from Sages, which draws audiences in with an immersive feel. While full of emotion and metal-leanings, there is nothing messy about “What the Hell” – demonstrating maturity it composition.

“With You” and “Sleepwalker” come up next on this record. With a palpable and heavy electronic feel, both are surprisingly alternative radio-ready. Though not without serrated edges, these tracks showcases the softer side of Sages lyrically. These songs weave in moments of almost ambient or ethereal tones, ensuring that the record does not become monotone.

Engaging elements from Sages

As Sleepwalker moves onward, there are a couple standout tracks. One of which is “Come With Me.” A sweeping and orchestral piece, it combines classical sensibilities with dark rock compositions. On a very different note, “Wasting Away” is another highlight. With talking-on-pitch style vocals and an appealingly wrung-out quality, there is a sense of honesty about the song that captures audience attention. Meanwhile, an engaging and skillful guitar break in the middle and third party sound bites mix things up.

Sleepwalker wraps up with a track entitled “Free.” In a soft and strong note, Sages shows off a less electronic and overall lighter sense in this cut. Audiences are therefore curious to see what else this group has up their sleeve. It would have been interesting to hear more of this inclination over the course of the record.

Sages delivered a strong album with Sleepwalker. Though underlying rhythms in a few tracks sound a little too similar, these gentlemen have clear skill in technique and writing. Listeners will look forward to checking out what the future holds for this band.