MIDNIGHT RIDER – Beyond the Blood Red Horizon (2022)
German quartet MIDNIGHT RIDER released their indie debut album five years ago and now being signed by Massacre Records are presenting second album titled “Beyond the Blood Red Horizon“, a very cool retro heavy rock 10-tracker conjuring the best of early Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Rainbow, of course, adding their own interesting spin.
From the songwriting, arrangements to melodies and production, “Beyond the Blood Red Horizon” takes you back to the second half of the Seventies with style. Lead vocalist Wayne has some kind of a very young Rob Halford vibe which makes things even more pleasant ‘metal circa 1976-1978’.
There’s a bluesy hard rock background from the era all over these songs, with ‘that’ atmospheres, guitar sound and classic rumbling rhythm section… and essentially, good songs.
Opener is the title track, encapsulating in four minutes the sound & style of pure old school metal from the late Seventies, with really strong melodic touch and a sense for the big, rhythmic riff, reminiscent of Thin Lizzy. The songs are predominantly mid-tempo, with a strong emphasis put on the rhythm guitars.
‘No Man’s Land’ and ‘Time Of Dying’ bring forth some Sabbath gloominess, before the album’s centerpiece epic ‘No Regrets’ steals the show with fantastic guitar solos and genius transitions. Be prepared to play this on repeat – it’s that good.
Midnight Rider wear their early Judas Priest influences proudly and are not ashamed to confirm it on several songs throughout this album. What is most admirable is the warm, organic production and the feeling of a band playing with so much joy and dedication, there was probably sweat dripping from the studio roof.
‘Intruder’ and ‘Your Parole’ are also highlights, while the closing up-tempo rocker ‘Always Marching On’ seems like penned by Blackmore, like early Rainbow and Deep Purple jamming like there’s no tomorrow.
I also have to mention the absolutely stunning artwork by Dimitar Nikolov, which adds even more atmosphere to an already great retro package. This is an album demanding to be listened to on vinyl – even that is classic; 5 tracks per side, running time 45 minutes.
One can only imagine what a live show of these guys looks like and can only hope the bigger festivals in Europe pay attention and give Midnight Rider a call.
Highly Recommended
01 – Beyond The Blood Red Horizon
02 – Majestic Warfare
03 – No Man’s Land
04 – Time Of Dying
05 – Intruder
06 – No Regrets
07 – Rising Dawn
08 – Demons
09 – Your Parole
10 – Always Marching On
Wayne – Vocals
Blumi – Guitars
Cliff – Bass
Tim – Drums
BUY
www.amazon.com/Beyond-Blood-Horizon-Midnight-Rider/dp/B0B6L97PFV
