ECHOVERSE – Fall Towards The Sky (Album Review)

The relatively small niche category of Christian prog rock gained a significant addition these past couple of years with EchoVerse, a mighty quartet that is set to release their second album in late April. Lest the phrase “Christian” not be your jam, fear not, the lyrics deal with universal themes and are not heavy-handed by any stretch. Rather, the uplifting approach of each song’s subject sails smoothly over the engaged musicianship beneath. This is, after all, a prog band and therefore musical interplay is at the core of the band’s form.

Band leader Doug Bowers covers a huge swath of the group’s instruments, including keys, bass, additional guitars, and backing vocals, in addition to mixing and production duties. However, many of the initial musical ideas and riffs come from lead guitarist Rob Perez, and the songs take their shape through Bowers‘ and Perez’s collaboration. Vocalist Kyle Graves then adds his vocal melodies and lyrics, which establish the soul of the band, both in lyrical content and emotional delivery. Fortunately, all of these pieces are held together by the impressive drumming of Kyle Fagala whose performance conveys a steady confidence and strength throughout the album. 

Although most of the material hovers between the six and ten minute mark, a bevy of catchy riffs and chord progressions reveal that this is a rock band at heart, featuring concise arrangements even if occasionally more sections are layered together than a four-minute single would typically feature. 

Leading track “Radical Rebirth” is a perfect encapsulation of the band’s approach. While the opening guitar stabs are a bit reminiscent of Van Halen’s approach on “Panama”, the song then roars forth with its own identity as hook after hook is cast over the listener’s ears. Graves’ lead vocals are assured, carrying a biting attitude combined with uplifting lyrical direction that makes for a thrilling combo in this lead single. Beyond the main melodic line, clever vocal layering, backing vocals, and tasteful effects bring the voice’s power right up to that of the guitar. Toward the end of the track, Graves takes the final verse’s vocal line up a notch right after a killer Fagala fill, ending the piece on a high note.

The hooks keep on coming, especially on “10 Plagues,” which lays down a chorus that won’t let go. The cowbell always wins. But Fagala has much more up his sleeve, delivering a powerful punch in track after track, and “Plagues” is no exception. Bowers does a great job in mixing the drum kit to maximize Fagala’s skill without overpowering the song. In addition, the added lines of Charlton Heston from “The Ten Commandments” are an effective use of source material to add extra drama. 

“The Serpent & The Schism” follows with a rapid fire of riffage from Perez amidst moody keyboards. This may be the most prog track on the album, reaching nearly 10 minutes long, and featuring strong melodic vocals, grandiose keyboard noodling, effective bass lines, and a killer guitar solo. We even get a “Kyrie Eleison” section which fits right in perfectly, thematically and musically. A more mellow tone is taken on “Gold Bars,” but the lyrics quickly grab attention with their tale of always wanting more, leading to greed and the inevitable double entendre behind the title. A powerful song. 

This brings us to the epic finale of the title track, “Fall Towards The Sky,” which is the high point for Graves’ vocal delivery. Tasteful harmony vocal choices really make the song shine, both in the more dreamy and harder-hitting sections. Fagala powers through the lengthy piece, with Perez and Bowers dropping in for impactful guitar and keyboard solos, respectively. Little touches like piano hits add to the urgency of the song, which culminates in a ripping fashion. A mellow addendum then closes out the album, the lilting bonus track “Here Today, Then A Mist,” which is easily as strong as anything else herein, and sends us on our way in 6/8 time. Carpe diem. 

Overall, “Fall Towards The Sky” is an accomplished sophomore release that outshines their debut and sets the band’s sights towards even greater scale for the future. This is a talented quartet who have no shortage of melodic ideas and the chops to pull them off. Bowers also knows how to make the band sound their best with his production skills, resulting in an excellent sonic experience from start to end.

The album should be warmly welcomed in Christian circles for its thematic messages and equally enjoyed by listeners outside of that faith, as the uplifting content is delivered in a very relatable and accessible approach. Don’t miss these guys as they’re on their way up towards the sky. 

Release Date: March 27th, 2026
Record Label: Independent
Genre: Progressive Rock

Musicians:

• Kyle Graves / Lead Vocals
• Doug Bowers / Keyboards, Bass, Guitars, Vocals
• Rob Perez / Rhythm & Lead Guitars
• Kyle Fagala / Drums

Fall Towards The Sky Tracklist:

1. Radical Rebirth (5:38)
2. Philosophy Abounds (6:08)
3. 10 Plagues (6:49)
4. The Serpent & The Schism (9:33)
5. Gold Bars (8:00)
6. Fall Towards The Sky (9:55)
7. Here Today, Then A Mist (Bonus Track) (6:09)

Order the album here.