They are not bad per se but they need to write some songs. Excuses for the guys to play just don't cut it. I love to hear women doing heavy rock, but the songs on here are just not the right vehicle.
Nightvision: As the Lights Go Down
The opening section of the opening track stuck me as coming straight out of the Dio catalogue. I needn’t be worried, I was just being a bit of an anal rocker reviewer who sometimes retains way too much knowledge for this own good. Hailing from Lincolnshire this lot play hard rock that mixes the attitude of Guns N' Rose and reminds you of great British bands of the 80s like the Almighty.
Not the slightest tinge of screamo metalcore on this lot’s release. The bloke on the vocals, Dave Mckee, can actually freaking sing and revels in letting you know. These guys are young and talented with an attitude and an ability that belies their age and origins. I really enjoy this release and hope it does the band the justice it deserves in sales. Oh and it gets better with every spin.
There is not one duff track anywhere to be found on here. It’s a joy to listen to start to finish. Lets just say, that while a bit heavier, you’d be hard pressed to find a better debut since the freaking awesome The Answer (whose new CD I have). Let's hope that British music press and public takes these guys to their bosom in order to make them the next great Brtish heavy rock export.
Clearly a strong contender for “Best New Band” in the Classic Rock awards.
Oh and you just know they kick some serious butt live.
Stratovarius: Polaris
Yes, you read that right, Stratovarius is back with a new album of original material. Despite their legal and money problems that drove guitarist Timo Tolki to leave, they have mustered their forces and risen again like a phoenix. Tolki now has Revolution Renaissance and has given the rest of Stratovarius his blessing to carry on without him. It’s a bit like the Helloween saga that produced so many other great bands.
One the basis of this album it possible to argue that the band has taken the changes, hardships, and troubles well. This is a strong album of Scandinavian power metal that works rather nicely and fits well into the genre. Their new label and lease on life have produced quite a good slab of technical metal. They retain all their elements, whether it’s the ludicrously clever playing, the sing-along choruses and, of course, the occasional key change. Just check out “Higher We Go” for some of that catchy as stink melodic metal goodness.
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