Album Review: Nightblade- That's The Way, You Want It

Words by Anselm Anderson

British Hard rockers Nightblade has released their fourth album in four years. That's The Way You Want It is a follow-up to last year's Hope To Be There. I could not review that particular album but I have always admired Nightblade's guitar-driven sound. 

The band has announced that their sixth album, released within four years, will have some surprises. These include guest female vocals by Givvi Flynn, a cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street," and a New Year song. The band, based in the Midlands of England, has been featured in several music publications such as HRH Magazine, Kerrang!, and Powerplay, which has helped to increase their recognition. The band has replaced their drummer Rich Lawley with Harry Anson to add a new dimension to their sound. 

The album "That's The Way You Want It" features ten rock songs with sharp riffs and warm vocals that casual fans will enjoy. The self-titled track offers the same radio-friendliness as bands like Foo Fighters, with more grunge sensibilities thrown into the mix. The band's upbeat lyrics and fuzzy guitars add some pep to their sound. Next up is the energetic "The Vibe" which maintains the same tempo and feel-good vibe as the first track. 

The lead vocals from Mark Crosby have a similar range and power as bands like Pearl Jam during their peak. The vocals are supported by a strong backing band, which includes the consistent guitar playing of Sam Morse. His riffs and solos combine to create the positive energy conveyed by the band in "That's The Way You Want It". The influence of bassist Tim Cunliffe is felt on the groove-based "Too Far Gone" that slithers through the stereo like a snake with a penchant for slow-blues-based rock songs. That is not to say the album doesn't come with a few glitches. The slower, ballads like "What I Shared With You" "Your World, My Thought" and "Let Me In" can feel like fillers for the album, but it is the more rockier tracks that signify the strengths of Nightblade as a unit.

"The New Year's Tribute" titled "New Year's Change" is a fun rock song that provides a refreshing break from the repetitive Christmas songs we hear every year. "Baker St" is a modern take on Gerry Rafferty's classic track and is executed with justice. "Your Disguise" and "A Song is Coming On" are potential crowd-pleasers at upcoming gigs with their straightforward rock sound and new recruit Harry Ranson's slick drumming adds to the overall enjoyment of this end-of-year release in 2023.

Rating: 8/10

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Album Review: Blue Oyster Cult- 50th Anniversary Live- First Night

Words by Anselm Anderson

Today, the legendary Blue Oyster Cult have released 50th Anniversary Live-First Night via Frontiers Music S.R.L. The Three-day event celebrates an incredible fifty years of Classic rock icons, recorded in September 2022. The 2-CD Deluxe edition divides the first night into two.

As part of the extravaganza, the band played three sold-out shows at Sony Hall, NYC. During the set, the band played one of their first three albums- 1972's self-titled debut, 1973's Tyrants and Mutation, and 1974's Secret Treaties. The three-hour sets featured deep cuts and a special guest appearance from founding drummer Albert Bouchard.

I have long been a fan of the group so any opportunity to review one of their releases brings joy to this writer. The band are seen as a major influence on the heavy metal and hard rock scene, including Metallica. They are renowned for their catchy songs, heavy music, and lyrics often deemed funny, ambiguous, or terrifying. The set features original singer/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom, bassist Danny Miranda, drummer Jules Radino and fellow guitarist/keyboardist Richie Castellano.

I think that is a slight background to these legends, so let's go to the review!

The setlist itself is organized with the group's melodic tracks building up pace towards the heavier and rockier tracks. The album begins with an exclamation "Here they come, the amazing Blue Oyster Cult". The band come out to a raucous applause and gets straight into "Transmission MC". Roeser and Bloom still retain a tight chemistry with the new lineup and make each song sound like the original. The blues-infused "I'm On The Lamb But I Ain't No Sleep" and "Then Came the Last Days of May" sound feel fresh and the audience is pleased with the performance. The band continue to keep them interested with fan's favourite "Cities on Flame with Rock 'N' Roll" and "Workshops Of The Telescopes". These heavy tracks seem to motivate the audience with stellar guitar play and the ever-impressive vocals of Buck Dharma and Bloom combining like two old friends having fun wrapping up the first CD.

The second CD performance continues with a focus more on the band's rock catalogue with songs like "Redeemed", "Dr Music" and "Burnin' For You" sounding like a night out at a local venue opening up the performance. Obviously, this version of the release features the popular "Don't Fear The Reaper" and "Godzilla" getting the biggest reactions of the night with a bold warning from Buck Dharma having fun with the audience. The second CD is heavier than the first with "That Was Me" and "Hot Rails to Hell" completing a respectable celebration of a band in their pomp.

Blue Oyster Cult delight a packed Sony Hall with a treat for fans in time for the festive season. This is a perfect Christmas present for die-hard fans of B.O.C.

Rating: 8/10

Social Media Links 

https://www.facebook.com/blueoystercult/

https://twitter.com/theamazingBOC

If you liked this, you may enjoy this review of the new album from Paul Rodgers

https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2023/09/album-review-paul-rodgers-midnight-rose.html