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Nitehawks: Vendetta
Nitehawks Vendetta CD Album Review

Nitehawks: Vendetta

(Traditional) Heavy/Power Metal
4.5/5.0

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Skol Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 28.08.2015

Much can happen in a short period of time, just ask Italy's Nitehawks. Formed this year, 2015, the band has written some tunes, hit the studio, and will be releasing their debut album, Vendetta in a few short weeks this September. Your first thoughts might be, "Can this be any good? Did they just through something together? I'll bet the production must suck?" Yes, I don't think so, and no.

Nitehawks Vendetta Band Photo

Nitehawks

Vendetta is pretty good, dead on, classic heavy metal, definitely leaning to the speed and power metal side. There's plenty of melody, groove, and kick ass guitar solos. Actually, before exploring the history and personnel of the band, I expected Nitehawks, with the guitar harmony, to be a five man operation with a rhythm/second lead player. Nope. Mike Petrone delivers both harmonious rhythm and blazing guitars. For the vocals, Frank Macrì has a strong clean voice, trying to stay melodic, but does get screamo at times. At times, I hear some Dio and Dickinson, maybe some Graham Bonnet, in his voice.

As for the songs, their pacing in particular, most every song here has the gallop of power. Into The Wild starts it, title track keeps it going, and songs like Dynamite and Blackout In Paradise intensify it, notably with the brash riffs and deep bottom end. Alternatively, there's a slight, very slight, dial back in speed with Rocketman. Yet this song is a good example of how the rock groove informs Nitehawks heavy metal. Also, it represents one of the best vocal arrangements, especially in the catchy chorus. Similar is the following Never Let You Go, a song that defines heavy metal with a hard rock groove: head bangin, toe-tapping, and melodic with a memorable refrain. Fundamentally, Nitehawks' Vendetta is on target as solid, ambitious, and entertaining classic and melodic heavy power metal. It's amazing what can be accomplished in a short period of time. Recommended.

Nitehawks - Into The Wild


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In Short

Nitehawks' Vendetta is on target as solid, ambitious, and entertaining classic and melodic heavy power metal. It's amazing what can be accomplished in a short period of time. Recommended.

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