Nitewalk: Darker Shades Of Gray

Nitewalk are a German heavy rock band who formed in 2009. Darker Shades of Gray is the band's debut album. Band members include Daniel Fischer (vocals), Christian Jungebluth (guitars), Michael Ehre (drums) and Kai Kleinewig (bass). Guest musician Marek Arnold adds keyboards.

This is heavy rock with a decided '70s retro vibe however Nitewalk add some interest to their sound by combining elements of jazz and metal and more than a few proggy touches are found throughout these thirteen tracks. They label their music as "Noncept-Prog". I am guessing there is no concept here and I am not sure if this should be labeled as progressive rock but no matter, this is a very good album.

The music is built around the big crunchy riffs of guitarist Jungebluth. His interesting rhythms are what drives these songs, however there is not much in the way of solos so keep that in mind when checking out the album.

I hear influences of Blue Oyster Cult, Bad Company and Deep Purple among others. The band is able to combine powerful riffs with a fair amount of finesse as in the simply titled "Black" where crunchy riffs lead to jazzier motifs. This one does boast some nice lead guitar.

In the '70s psyche inspired "Pet Stories" Jungebluth's guitar work is perhaps his best as the song travels back and forth between metal and lighter sections.

"The End" fittingly ends the album on a subtler note and a slightly softer approach. Again, Jungebluth's guitar shines and his melodic rhythms permeate the soundscape as they do throughout the disc.

Darker Shades Of Gray is an inspired album that should appeal to fans of heavy rock and metal. Sure it has a retro feel and that is fine by me.

Track Listing:
1. Treasure Land
2. Gush Of Life
3. Red Blades
4. Rhymes
5. Fire
6. Blue
7. Gray Angels
8. Watchtower
9. Secrets
10. Black
11. Foolin'
12. Pet Stories
13. The End

Added: January 15th 2012
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Bands Official Site
Hits: 2051
Language: english

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