Open Sea by Arkado (Pride & Joy Music)
Open Sea by Arkado (Pride & Joy Music)
The last time we heard from Arkado was in the midst of the great pandemic when the Swedish-based collective released their Never Say Never debut via AOR Heaven. A Christmas single would soon follow, and then Arkado would prepare for what would be their second glorious magnum opus. And with the just released Open Sea, Arkado delivers the melodic rock goodness tenfold! Packed with songs that will set the imagination in flight, Open Sea mixes the sound of classic AOR with progressive interludes, rendering this album a thrilling auditory adventure.
Open Sea sets sail with the introductory Voyage followed by the grand soundscapes of the dazzling title track. Running Through The Night is a rapturous reprieve that will make the listener want to take on the world while the pulsating I Gave My Heart is a song that could be all over the radio! You Make Me Feel is filled to the brim with emotional vocals and a soaring chorus.
Rising High is a stratospheric hard rock reverie that will make you want to pump your fist high into the air! Her Mother’s Lullaby is superbly dramatic and impactful. And the brilliant melodies keep on arriving, with Show The Light Again concluding the album on a pensive yet ultimately inspiring note.
The mastermind behind the Arkado experience is keyboardist Mikael Svensson, whose songwriting artistry shines throughout the entire expedition. With the various skilled musicians found within the ship’s crew, Open Sea by Arkado is sure to enrapture fans of acts such as Journey and Toto. Plus, the addition of a more symphonic sound displays an ambitious approach that all types of music aficionados will surely enjoy. Another grand slam of an album brought to you by Pride & Joy Music!
(Review by Ken Morton)
