Review | The Quill – Master Of The Skies

Metalville Records

When singer Magnus Ekwall made his comeback in 2017 with The Quill things really started looking up again. The albums ‘Born From Fire’, ‘Earthrise’ and ‘Wheel Of Illusion’ showed a band creating a unique blend of styles with the emphasis on melodic heavy metal with touches of doom and psychedelic influences. On all those records you could feel and hear the further development of a band that obviously did not settle for a certain sound and approach. I remember describing ‘Wheel Of Illusion’ as a sonic whirlwind with devastating power in the execution of the music.

THE 12TH CHAPTER

In 2026 guitarist Christian Carlson, drummer George ‘Jolle’ Atlagic, vocalist Magnus Ekwall and bass player Roger Nilsson add a 12^th chapter to the discography of The Quill. As soon as the title-track ,,Master Of The Skies’’ kicks in, you will be dragged in to the mood these guys are in. Drums and bass lay down a super heavy foundation, the riffing of Carlsson is relentless and Ekwall pours out his soul and emotions. Add to that a monster solo by Carlsson and the tone is set for the rest of the album. ,,Dark City’’ follows and again we are confronted with a heavy monster.

GAS PEDAL

Just as you think that The Quill goes into overdrive, they take their foot of the gas pedal with ,,You Can Not Kill My Soul’’, a very subtle song that shows The Quill can also perform in a more relaxed tone and mood. A bit of a change after two robust openers but pretty soon also ,,You Can Not Kill My Soul’’ turns out to be a rocking event. ,,It’s Over’’ also starts pretty laid back but again The Quill (or better said Atlagic and Nilsson) puts more pressure on the gas pedal, although a certain psychedelic touch cannot be ignored. Yet again a great song though. ,,Son Of Light’’ starts very acoustic with just a simple vocal and acoustic guitar. In comparison with the rest of the album by far the most ‘sophisticated and laid back’ track on the album.

MASTER CLASS

The last three to four songs are pure master class examples of what this band is all about. ,,If Tomorrow Never Comes’’ is an up-tempo hard rocker that kicks like a mule with a scorching guitar solo. ,,Now You Are Gone’’ has yet again a psychedelic feel. ,,Lights Turn Low’’ is a heavy mid-tempo cracker that is driven by the rhythm section again. But the best is saved for last. Enter ,,Mastodon’’, a track that clocks over 9 minutes and in my humble opinion is the best song The Quill ever recorded. All the ingredients that the band showcased in the others songs are summed up here in a manner that can only be described as epic.

THE QUILL – THE CONCLUSION

‘Master Of The Skies’ is a bombshell of an album. The Quill have outdone themselves. I thought their top was reached on ‘Wheel Of Illusion’ but ‘Master Of The Skies’ just adds another dimension in songs, sound, execution and musicianship. If you are into this band, I am sure you will adore their latest opus as ‘Master Of The Skies’ surpasses their other releases. Not to be missed, folks!

Release date: 8 May 2026