NOW OR NEVER – II [Japanese Edition] (2016)

Featuring 2 ex-Pretty Maids members, Denmark’s NOW OR NEVER is a solid example of how melodic metal and hard n’ heavy rock should be played, with power and total conviction. The band returns today with their sophomore effort simply titled “II“, packed with many interesting and catchy vocal harmonies, guitar riffs and hard-hitting rhythms more refined than ever.

Consisting of Ricky Marx and Kenn Jackson (both ex-Pretty Maids), Jo Amore (ex-Nightmare) and Ranzo (ex-Sultan), Now Or Never rocks from every corner of “II”.
The singing is certainly some of the best vocals I’ve heard within the last ten years for a heavy rock / melodic metal group, and their music has a big groove to it, like on the headbanging “King For A Day”, which is one of their more emotionally driven cuts here.

The album open proceedings with a spoken snippet from the film ‘Cape Fear’ that leads into the absolutely sumptuous “The Voice Inside”. The drums explode into life and the guitars ebb and flow.
“Sonic Ecstasy” will see you saluting the band as the vibrant and intense opening to this track ignites your life force, listen to the lyrics and immerse yourself in Now Or Never ceaseless passion for delivering Hard Rocking, head banging ‘proper’ music. A highlight for me.
“I Shall Remain” is another track with some cool grooves, more in the classic Euro metal vein, but with a simplified melodic approach to it something any fan of metal related stuff can appreciate. It has ‘anthem’ written all over, with the deep bass riffs from Ken Jackson and scorching guitar licks courtesy of Ricky Marx, it’s a sure fire winner.

“I’ll be Waiting” get your lighters (mobile phones now) out and join the band in this slower piece, a song that’s ideal for a live setting, it’s a dramatic, heart felt and gripping tune. “The Answer” opens with some powerhouse drumming that then leads to Amores’ strong vocals where he grabs the bull by its horns and unleashes his distinctive tones.
“Revolution” is an intelligent and thought provoking piece especially in today’s political climate, making you think while rocking your socks off.

“Save Me” is one of my favorites with its passionately sung vocals and its mesmerizing guitar rhythms; clocks in at just over seven minutes, its slow melodic opening builds into something that touches your psyche, it’s a monolithic piece with some stunning riffs that really put Now Or Never Angel on top of the game.
Penultimate track “Feel Alive” is a thumping song that indeed does make you feel alive with more hair raising licks from Marx, then “Til The End of Time” ends the album in the form of a soothing ballad, one that Melodic Hard Rock lovers will enjoy aplenty.

Now Or Never proves with “II” they are one of the best melodic metal / hard ‘n rock bands out today. The solid as rock songwriting, the monster musicianship and the overall tight yet melodic sound puts this band in the premier league.
This is music you can definitely bang your head hard to and not feel anything but the sheer rush of the excitement hitting your senses.
Two thumbs up.

01 – The Voice Inside
02 – Sonic Ecstasy
03 – King for a Day
04 – I Shall Remain
05 – I’ll Be Waiting
06 – The Answer
07 – Revolution
08 – Save Me
09 – Feel Alive
10 – ‘Til the End of Time

Jo Amore (ex Nightmare) – Vocals
Ricky Marx (ex Pretty Maids) – Guitars
Kenn Jackson (ex Pretty Maids) – Bass
Ranzo (ex Sultan) – Drums

BUY IT !
www.dena-ec.com/item/235215329
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