Colin Powell must be one of the most prolific progressive artists in the UK. Not only has the Salford-based multi-instrumentalist released two symphonic, narrative-driven epic albums already this year under the project name of A Multitude of One: A Templar’s Tale and The Book of Enoch, but he also teamed up with Wirral-based Dave Allen of Spirergy, under the Riffstone name, and produced a bold, narrative-driven, historical concept album, Richard III only a few months ago.
Yet, despite the quality of those releases, in my humble opinion, Colin and Dave have probably produced their most consistent and enjoyable album of 2025 with Sanctuary Sky. Freed from the constraints of a historically themed concept album, Colin and Dave have embraced this freedom with a refreshingly diverse collection of 9 songs, full of instrumental and lyrical interplay and musicianship of the highest quality. Whilst there is a commonality to many of the tracks, rooted in myth, mysticism and fantasy, each one stands alone and has its own unique character. The cinematic, symphonic progressive soundscapes and layered musicianship are still present, but the guitar and keyboard interactions between them seem revitalised and exuberant, alongside the more succinct, story-led lyrics. As before, they share guitar, keyboard and vocals between them.
Spirit of Danu starts the album powerfully. A song about the mother goddess of the Irish gods of Celtic mythology, it is full of soaring, melodic guitar lines, lush, supporting keyboards, dynamic drum and bass patterns, and Colin’s most confident and engaging vocals I’ve heard from him. Live Your Dreams Away, by contrast is a beautiful, flowing and gently paced song, with Dave’s the ascending vocals urging us to follow our dreams. The keyboards shine brightly over a probing bass, and more guitar motifs adds sparkle to this wonderfully accessible track. The Sleeping City starts in a more contemplative fashion but is soon joined by a swirl of urgent synthesisers, as we walk through a deserted city at night in the rain. The tempo alternates nicely, thanks to some inventive drum programming.
Tylwyth Teg takes us into Welsh folklore, and the mischievous fairy folk who dance in moonlit glades and leave behind enchanted rings of grass. Colin and Dave manage to merge intense, progressive musical themes, with a more pastoral, folk-like and dancing lyrical content, supported with some rich, choral effects and combined vocals. Through the Veil ponders the often fragile boundary that seems to exist between our real world and other realms at certain times or places. Piano and a background wash of keyboards create a more ethereal ambience, with thrusts of expressive electric guitar adding drama. The Land Beneath the Waves considers that mystical world and continues the dreamy feel of the previous track, with the smooth, harmonised vocals and choral effects complementing the undulating instrumentation.
Ten Whispers takes a sadder path, as it looks at the lives and deaths of the ten women accused of witchcraft around Pendle Hill, with the whispers carrying a fragment of fear, injustice and forgotten power. The music and vocals flows melodically, with a respectful, sombre and reflective tone. The Wizard of the Hills considers Myrddin, the inspiration for Merlin, and starts with a lovely, Mike Oldfield-like guitar passage from Dave, before more sumptuous, symphonic prog interplay between the pair. Sanctuary Sky rounds off the album very well, taking us into a place of otherworldly stillness, clarity, reflection and hidden wisdom. The instrumentation is as expansive as ever, with Dave stretching his vocals to higher altitudes as we climb up to the clouds.
Sanctuary Sky by Riffstone is an ambitious and highly enjoyable album of warm, immersive, melodic and symphonic prog soundscapes and dynamic keyboard and guitar interplay, backed by driving bass, expressive drums and lyrically engaging vocals, that should please fans of Yes, Genesis, Camel, Steve Hackett, Alan Parsons and Big Big Train. Definitely worth exploring further on Bandcamp. The download comes with a beautifully illustrated lyric booklet.
TRACK LISTING
01. The Spirit of Danu (6:41)
02. Live Your Dreams Away (7:12)
03. The Sleeping City (6:57)
04. Tylwyth Teg (8:22)
05. Through the Veil (5:30)
06. The Land Beneath the Waves (7:53)
07. Ten Whispers (7:12)
08. Wizard of the Hills (7:44)
09. Sanctuary Sky (6:45)
Total Time – 64:16
MUSICIANS
Colin Powell – All Instrumentation, Vocals, Programming
Dave Allen – All Instrumentation, Vocals, Programming
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 14th November 2025
