NIGHTQUEEN – Seduction (2019)
Hailing from Genk, Belgium, NIGHTQUEEN are presenting their new album “Seduction”, a blend of melodic metal and hard rock wrapped by progressive light sympho influences driven by Hellen Heart’s incredible vocal range, which characterizes the sound of band in its own way. However, the musical director here is guitarist Rex Zeco who founded the band in the early 2000s. “Seduction” is the band’s 3rd CD and one that definitely will put NightQueen on the map.
While “Seduction” is being tagged as female-fronted power metal – and indeed there’s elements from the modern side of that genre – to my ears NightQueen inspiration comes from ’80s melodic metal. Additionally, there’s abundance of groove more proper from heavy hard rock. Just check ‘Seduce Me’.
There’s some DIO atmosphere on mid-paced ‘Fuel The Fire’, yet with a female lead singer. And the comparison isn’t in vain, you must hear Hellen’s incredible vocals, emotional and powerful but always in control. If you dig deep into the song structure, the skeleton is traditional hard rock.
The band also adds a light sympho / progressive touch in some song arrangements which provides more bombast to the overall sound. Take ‘Nightmares’ or ‘Termination’ as example. However, NightQueen also keeps the groove running resulting in impact and consistence.
‘Silence and Tears’ is a half classic epic ‘metal ballad’ – with some kind of Meat Loaf drama on it – half melodic metal with some solid solos to boot.
Hellen shines – in fact, all over the album – on the huge ‘Name of the Gods’, then ‘Return to Wonderland’ grows in intensity for a very melodic chorus.
“Seduction” is a very nice surprise from a band which main focus is musicality, and variation. There’s a stellar vocalist to discover here, and an accomplished group of musicians working to obtain an integral product.
An album that always keeps you interested, and one that the scene will take notice.
Highly Recommended
01. Power Infusion (Intro)
02. Energy
03. Seduce Me
04. Wall of Sorrow
05. Fuel the Fire
06. Nightmares
07. Silence and Tears
08. Termination
09. Name of the Gods
10. In Flames
11. Return to Wonderland
12. Nightfall
Hellen Heart – Vocals
Rex Zeco – Guitar
Cosi Matrigiani – Guitar
Andy Herman – Drums
Paddy Lee – Bass
Gio Zuccari – Keyboards
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