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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