Album: Evaricade
Label: Art Of Melody Music/Atomic Stuff
Format: CD (Italy Import)
Band: Nightblaze
Origin: Italy
Album Number: 2nd and final album
Content: 4 new songs + 6 alternative versions from debut
Producer: Dario Grillo
Line Up:
Damiano Libianchi (Perfect View) – Vocals
Dario Grillo (Platens, Violet Sun) – Composer, Multi-instrumentalist, Producer
Alex Grillo (Platens, Violet Sun) – Drums
Federica Raschellà (Steel Tyrant, Evil Eyes) – Bass
Tracklist:
1. State Of Grace
2. Tonight
3. Novemberine Walls
4. Take Me Home —
5. Hold On To Me (atmospheric version)
6. Take On Me (dance version)
7. Fading Away (ethnic version)
8. Tell Me (remastered version)
9. Novemberine Walls (orchestral version) 10. Tonight (romantic version)
As soon as opener State Of Grace blasts through the speakers, it is clear we are dealing here with quite a sensational 80s inspired AOR/Melodic Rockband. Evaricade is the 2nd and sadly final album of the Italian band NIGHTBLAZE. I have no idea why this is their last album together, because when I hear a song like the superb Tonight, I am slowly heading into the reason why I started writing in the music business, because this is a lovely classic uptempo AOR rocker that reminds me a bit of PROPHET during their 80s heydays, although I also smell comparisons to the legendary HEAVEN’S TOUCH, SWALLOWS and DANGER DANGER (debut).
The music fits somewhere between AOR and Melodic Rock, with a focus on strong lead- and harmonyvocals, catchy hooks and memorable choruses, such as this song Tonight that might easily become the AOR/Melodic Rock wetdream of 2025! The song is also featured in a beautiful romantic version later on the CD. Also the 2 other new songs are reflecting the big smooth AOR/Melodic Rocksound we all love so much. I reviewed their debut not too long ago, and this new final album consists of 4 new unreleased songs and 6 alternative versions of their first album (including a cool dance and ethnic version!). The line-up is still the same, featuring Italian composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer DARIO GRILLO (PLATENS, VIOLET SUN), Damiano Libianchi (PERFECT VIEW) on vocals, Dario’s brother Alex Grillo (PLATENS, VIOLET SUN) on drums, and Federica Raschellà (STEEL TYRANT, EVIL EYES) on bass.
It’s a very enjoyable album that will also be loved by fans of H.E.A.T., WORK OF ART, HEAVEN’S EDGE, VALENTINE, PERFECT PLAN, just to name a few. It’s a shame this band will not continue, because they definitely have something to offer and are easily beating the countless other melodic rockbands.
Written by: Gabor
Ratings: 8/10
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