A friend put me on Midnight Rider somewhat cryptically suggesting I’d like them. Duly listened to one of the songs. Immediately impressed.
Without knowing anything about the band and after listening to the song I thought I’d heard a long-lost obscure band from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal late 1970s/early 1980s era such was the style as it had all the right elements.
On a spot of investigation, discovered that Midnight Rider hail from Germany and Beyond the Blood Red Horizon is their second album. Ordered a CD and awaited delivery with quite some eager anticipation.
Not to be disappointed – it’s top-class stuff. Does have the old style NWOBHM chunky riffs and all that goes with it. Think along the lines of Angel Witch, Tytan and similar from back then and you’re on the right lines.
The band also would appear to be influenced by the likes of early Judas Priest/Black Sabbath and Budgie – which in my book is no bad thing.
The riffs are controlled and do remind me of the great Tony Bourge, as do some of the solos – which are effective and fit the songs rather than a show-off noodle-fest.
The bass is nicely up in the mix throbbing away well locked in with the drums and the vocals are powerful without being overwhelming.
The ten songs all excellent and the listening time flashes by. Perhaps the opener and title track will show you what Midnight Rider is all about? Have a listen:
Majestic Warfare is one which grabs from the start. Intruder and Demons have some interesting melodic elements worked into them. Your Parole another powerful one as is the closer of Always Marching On.
As well as being an excellent throw-back style to original NWOBHM, there’s a bit of doomy stuff going on and a bit trippy here and there.
With Beyond the Blood Red Horizon, Midnight Rider have a really enjoyable album of well-constructed, well-paced and well delivered heaviness in some style.
Old NWOBHM-era people such as I or indeed any hard rock fan should enjoy it. Why not bag yourself a copy? Usual formats available.
>> MIDNIGHT RIDER BEYOND THE BLOOD RED HORIZON HERE <<
Later this month/early next month am expecting a couple of albums from a couple of bands from back in the NWOBHM glory days which you may (or may not) remember. As they arrive, I’ll post reviews.