Embedded Files
MIDNIGHT RIDER "Limited Infinity"
MIDNIGHT RIDER "Limited Infinity"
By Dr. Abner Mality
Here's a metal record so warm and cozy, you want to move right into it. MIDNIGHT RIDER is a (mostly) German band that wistfully recreates 70's metal, from the earliest rumblings of SABBATH, PRIEST and HEEP to the galloping riffs of the NWOBHM. What really caught my eye about these guys is the involvement of the ubiquitous Professor Chris Black, one of metal's busiest creators. Black is the vocalist here and that gives MIDNIGHT RIDER a sonic connection to HIGH SPIRITS, probably Black's most well known band.
The sound here is so warm and buttery, you want to bite into it. It's completely analog and sounds just like the proto metal of the early 70's. The riffs are thick and juicy, with a real SABBATH feel but not as dark and gloomy. Upbeat doom? Maybe so! The pattern is established right away with the excellent "Charlemagne", which Iommi himself could have written. Black knows how to come up with simple but effective vocal lines and that's heard throughout. The title track and "The Renegade" are proto-metal heaven and I detect a lot of "Rocka Rolla/Sad Wings" PRIEST in how these tracks unfold.
The sound does get to be rather predictable by album's end, but never to the point where it detracts from your enjoyment. Lead guitarist Blumi is not a showoff but jams pretty hard when given the chance. "Blitzlight" and "The Battle of Brighton" have a lot of patented NWOBHM gallop while "Dark Shadows" definitely has a HIGH SPIRITS vibe.
Nothing sounds forced or unnatural and that's a plus. If you love old ways and old days, hook up with MIDNIGHT RIDER!
Report abuse