NIGHT LEGION – Fight Or Fall (2023)
Aussie metallers NIGHT LEGION had a pretty successful self-titled debut album in 2017 but then disappeared. The band was picked up by specialized metal label Massacre Records and now are ready to release second studio album, ”Fight Or Fall”. The new LP sees the debut of vocalist Louie Gorgievski, whose other bands include Crimsonfire and Arkenstone.
What has not changed is founder, guitarist Stu Marshall songwriting approach: the sound of the new album is pure metal, some kind of a blend of Dio, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden.
”Fight Or Fall” ticks all the boxes as far as the metal blueprint goes. There are plenty of soaring vocals, galloping melodies which drive the songs forward, lyrics that tackle fantasy, swords, death, and glory, and an element that all power metal bands need.
It’s all here. Oh, and an album cover that feature some very angry looking werewolves.
”Fight Or Fall” kicks off with the album’s first single, “The Hounds of Baskerville,” where Mike LePond guest stars on. It’s very dark and menacing, which makes sense because it’s a horror themed track. Werewolves terrorizing a small town; how much darker can it get? Whether this was intentional or not, the lyrics also reference Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and AC/DC’s “Hells Bells.”
The title track is a moody, mid-tempo headbanger with intricate guitar solos and impressive kick drum work.
“At World’s End” starts off with a haunting acoustic guitar melody before the electric guitars, drums, and distorted bass line color up the track even further. It’s an interesting one because there’s a lot of melody, it has nice harmonies, and it’s not as in-your-face compared to some of the other songs on the album.
“The Enemy” is a major highlight on the CD because it immediately draws listeners in with the chanting backup vocals. It has a fist-pounding and foot-stomping vibe that would be perfect for live shows. “The Hand of Death” closes the album on a somber and epic note.
The production on ”Fight Or Fall” is worth mentioning because it’s a great sounding album. The bass lines are so heavy and distorted, the guitar riffs are loud and aggressive, the kick drum work is excellent, and Louie Gorgievski’s vocals come clear throughout the entire journey.
There aren’t many negatives with the album, other than a few of the songs sounding the same and blended together, like “Babylon Burns” and “Soaring into the Black.” But if classic, cliché but good metal is your thing, get it now
Highly Recommended
01 – The Hounds Of Baskerville
02 – Babylon Burns
03 – Soaring Into The Black
04 – Fight Or Fall
05 – At World’s End
06 – Beyond The Crimson Dawn
07 – Harvest Of Sin
08 – The Enemy
09 – The Hand Of Death
Louie Gorgievski – Vocals
Stu Marshall – Guitars
Col Higginson – Guitars
Glenn Williams – Bass
Clay Tchakalian – Drums
Pre order:
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