NIGHT - Soldiers Of Time
April 26, 2015, 9 years ago
(Gaphals)
Ten songs and short (90 seconds acoustic guitar-only intermezzo) “Wanderlust” instrumental comprise the sophomore effort from twin leads/meat & potatoes tradition-minded Swedes. The high pitched vocals of guitarist Oskar Andersson (aka Burning Fire) are limited and after a while, grating, especially when straining for exaggerated notes. So who asked him to open the disc a cappella, kicking off the otherwise stellar “Waiting For The Time”?
However, the music is top notch and worth investing the time to track down. It's more than just the uptempo “Kings & Queens” that recall the original Riot. Also try “We're Not Born To Walk Away” and a gritty “Across The Ocean”. The prominent drum and acoustic tinged “Towards The Sky” takes a different tact, closer to Guns N' Roses' “Used To Love Her”. The electricity-absent instrumentation reappears on the “Stars In The Sky” closer, while “Power” is the kind of noggin' bobbin' revved up NWOBHM anthem at which Night excel. With a more polished voice, have the talent to be world class. Now, just a guilty pleasure.
