It is truth that when the demo material of this album firstly hit some streaming platforms, sometime back in August 2024, a lot of noise, questions and debate about the album had been aroused.
First of all, although the material was still in pre-production phase, not mixed and mastered, it was so good, that the great surprise provoked numerous discussions, especially in the Hellenic (Greek) metal scene and in the underground cycles. The songs were amazing but the band was completely unknown and the contributors – members of the band still almost totally unknown.
As it was normal, up to a certain extent, in such a case, a lot of rumors were being spread and hypothetical assumptions had been stated from musicians and metal fans in the social media.
But in the end, the time went by and when the final product was ready to be presented with the proper production, mixed and mastered, all the dust and fog disappeared and the audience were able to learn the names of the contributors to the album and the members of the band.
The surprises though, were not over yet. One of the vocalists in this album was the amazing Travis Wills, the current singer of the legendary band CRIMSON GLORY (also vocalist in INFIDEL RISING) and he was singing in 5 songs. And not just that. He appeared and performed these songs in such a great level, that a lot of us (old-school, die-hard fans of CRIMSON GLORY) wish and hope that also the new – forthcoming CRIMSON GLORY album will also be outstanding with such an astonishing vocalist in their ranks.
For the time being though, let’s focus on this surprisingly good debut album of this rookie band – project that was founded in 2022 by songwriter and bassist Bill Sam, under the moniker NIGHTSTEEL, which is a Greek metal band that embodies the spirit of classic ‘80s metal in multiple genres, from Epic Metal, US Power Metal, Hard Rock – Hair Metal to traditional Heavy Metal with pinches also of European Power Metal blended with Neoclassical touches.
As far as the line-up of the band is concerned, the main body of the band is consisted of Bill Sam (Bass, Songwriting, Backing Vocals), Jasmin M. (Guitars, Keys) and Mike Foudotos (Drums).
Apart from them, the album also features several guest vocalists such as Travis Wills who I already forementioned, Rob Lundgren (MENTALIST, REVEAL), Mauro Elias and Craig Cairns (TAILGUNNER). Additionally, the 2020 Guitar World’s Award winner IGOR PASPALJ, appears as a guest lead guitarist in a couple of songs.
This special and noted line-up, offers a varied yet beautiful and cohesive listening experience, that I am going to analyze in more depth in the following lines.
The self-titled opener ‘’Nightsteel’’ is one my two favorite songs in the album that immediately sets the tone. With Travis Wills‘ powerful and soaring vocals taking center stage, the track is a ‘’bombardment’’ of Epic Heavy Metal. The galloping driving riff, the strong rhythmic foundation and the memorable anthemic chorus, deliver one of the best new songs I’ve listened to in the last years, bringing memories of MEDIEVAL STEEL’s iconic self-titled track. This amazing song definitely serves as the strongest possible introduction to NIGHTSTEEL‘s sound and their collaboration with a renowned vocalist.
Following up with “Darkness Reigns” also featuring Travis Wills, the album maintains its prevailing intensity with the other one of my two favorite songs in the album. This track, which was also released as a video clip, has some unpretentious – ‘’up to the point’’ epic yet dramatic lyrics that are talking straight to the soul of the listener. Wills‘ “iconic vocals” add a layer of classic metal grandeur to the track, that made me listen to this song repeatedly for numerous times.
‘’Screams of Agony’’ that follows is another hooking song that balances in the line between Power Metal and classic Heavy Metal, while the chorus leans to a European style Power Metal direction.
The battle keeps raging on, as we move forward to the listening session with ‘’Warlord’s Betrayal’’. Another epic song that ‘’takes lives’’ and ‘’harvests souls’’ with the imposing narrative singing execution of the lyrics by Travis Wills, accompanied by a wonderful melodic guitar passage and guitar solo.
Time for a rest from the battlefield with the song that follows, under the title ‘’Whispers from the Heart’’ that goes to a more melodic Hard Rock / AOR route with Rob Lundgren on the vocals and Igor Paspalj on the guitar. An emotional song that brings memories from some ‘80s brilliant power ballads.
‘’Eternal Fight’’ that is performed by Craig Cairns is another catchy song with hooking chorus and beautifully crafted guitar arrangement with plenty of energy. Cairns‘ vocal delivery contributes with his own style to the track, adding to the album’s vocal diversity. ‘’Calm Lake’’ that features Mauro Elias on vocals, explores an atmospheric and melodic territory, with intricate guitar work – solos, that from one side brings memories of WASP to mind and on the other side bands such as SAVATAGE, early METAL CHURCH or even the mighty DIO.
‘’Win or Lose’’ and ‘’Panagioti’’ are a couple of awesome ‘80s style melodic Heavy Metal – Hard Rock-ing songs, really passionate, engaging and soul lifting.
The album closes with a classic heavy metal style anthem named ‘’Damned Sorrows’’ and the CD bonus track ‘’Carry On’’ again with Travis Wills, who sets an epic CRIMSON GLORY-ic epilogue to this dynamic listening experience that the album has offered.
I firmly believe that the debut of NIGHTSTEEL delivers a surprisingly successful album with many splendid and memorable songs, characterized by wonderful musical arrangements and ultra strong vocal performances. Thus, this debut positions NIGHTSTEEL as a promising new force in the Hellenic metal scene with many expectations from them in the near future.
‘’Nightsteel’’ has been released on the 11th of April 2025 by Cosmic Fire Records and is available on LP and CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
