Touch the Sky: Volume II (10t10076 10t Records, 2014)
Supernal Endgame is a crossover band from Dallas (Texas) that combines superb progressive symphonic rock with AOR, pop and hard rock elements. The album opens with one of the best cuts on Touch the Sky: Volume II, an instrumental titled ‘Supernal One (Imminence and Transcendence).’ The band shows its symphonic rock side with impressive keyboard, something that sounds like a violin, and guitar work. Classic era Genesis and Kansas appear as the main influences. On the down side, hard rock riffing that detracts from the progressive magic.
The next two pieces feature pop beats and plenty of hard rock riffing.
Track 4, ‘Eden’s Song,’ begins with a great fusion passage. There ups and downs with outstanding vocals harmonies, notable electric guitar solos and then more of the hard rock.
‘S.O.S (Save Me)’ is a Christian devotion song with an AOR format.
Track 6, ‘Immutable’ brings a new perspective to the band with acoustic guitar and flute, showcasing a folk rock spirit although progressive rock gradually comes in the form of epic keyboards.
‘White Flag’ features a very satisfying instrumental intro with shredding guitar. The vocal sections sound more like AOR than progressive rock and the hard rock riffs are abundant.
Track 8 presents a very short acoustic guitar piece titled ‘Swim In Your Ocean 8.’ It’s one of the finest compositions on the album and has a Jimmy Page essence.
The guitar solo is the highlight of ‘Orwelled.’ Track 10, ‘The Endgame’ is the final piece and the longest too. It’s meant to be the album’s great epic. The suite goes through intensive instrumental display and vocal relaxation. The highpoint is the final epic part with splendid electric guitars.
The lineup on the album features Rob Price on lead and backing vocals, drums, percussion, loops, and keyboards; John Eargle on electric, acoustic, and synthesized guitars, keyboards, loops, bass, mandolin, secondary lead and backing vocals; Tom More on bass guitar, keys, midi pedals, backing vocals; Jett Cheek on keyboards, backing vocals; and John Crafton on electric, acoustic, and classical guitars, backing vocals).
Guests include Dave Bainbridge from the band Iona and Carl Baldasarre from the band Syzygy on lead guitar.