Nightblade
5
Self Release
‘5’ is the aptly named record from midlanders Nightblade it being their fifth release in five years. The album is easy on the ears with its no nonsense old school rock n roll and bluesy sound. They switch it up throughout with some high energy tracks to get you tapping those toes. Mark Crosby’s vocals are so smooth you could drizzle them on a stack of pancakes. “I’ll Be Home Tonight” is one of the stand out tracks, opening with a gentle strumming of the guitar and developing into a swinging track oozing with attitude with a catchy hook to boot. It’s melodic while packing a punch. We get some killer riffs and guitar solos in ‘Never Trust Another’. The drums get time to really shine with their moment in ‘Speak As You Find’ ‘Heard It All Before’ is a powerful yet heartfelt ballad which is made for a live audience. You get thundering drums to start and then a showing of more of Crosby’s vocal capabilities. All of the songs are pretty diverse in sound. They have said their latest body of work is “the best” from their five year stretch in album releases and these guys certainly do have a lot to be proud of with ‘5’. Nightblade have live shows throughout 2025 so be sure to check out where they are playing near you.
Review by Aggy Gillon