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Having discovered that Paraguay’s NIGHTBOUND derive their name from their two favourite THIN LIZZY songs, “Nightlife” and “Southbound”, I could not wait to dive into their debut album, The Night is Calling. A joyous amalgamation of classic rock and NWOBHM influences, their maiden outing does not disappoint.

The band started life in 2018 as a classic rock covers band, although guitarist Mike Martínez has his roots in thrash metal with previous band, THE FORCE. Quickly developing their own original songs, they began to move away from being a covers band and released their self-titled debut EP on Awakening records in 2019.

Undergoing a couple of band member changes, NIGHTBOUND have recently added drummer Monse Diamond and guitarist Dario Aquino to form a new line-up. As they told The NWOTHM in a recent interview, this line-up had good “chemistry” in the studio as they put the finishing touches to a record that they had actually began work on during 2020 but was beset with delays due to studio issues and the loss of past members.

NIGHTBOUND

However, 2024 has finally seen the release of The Night is Calling. The album is available now via digital download but in the coming months a CD version will also be released. It was recorded at DVL Media studios.

Line-up

REVIEW

The mood of the album is immediately evoked by instrumental opener, “The Night is Calling”, which lovingly reproduces twin guitar harmonies and soloing that would not be out of place on a record by the band’s heroes, Thin Lizzy.

“Bound for Victory” kicks off the record in earnest with a driving opening riff that quickly heralds the sumptuous sound of Arianna’s silky-smooth vocals. The singer and bassist is allowed to flourish within a song that encapsulates what makes this band such an attractive proposition – genuine moments of classic rock harmony within a recording that still allows for a metallic sheen.

A slightly more relaxed pace is evident on “Golden Years”, which is another laudable attempt to write a genuine rock anthem. Wonderfully nostalgic both in lyrical content and musical execution.

The pace drops further still at the start of “Diamond Skyline” before the onset of crunchy 80s metal riffing, albeit soon slowed down to a gentle pace. Imagine Dokken if they’d tried to emulate Thin Lizzy and you get the vibe here.

“Guillotine” ups the tempo considerably and betrays Arianna’s punk influences. A pulsating Steve Harris-like bass line precipitates ragged punk riffing and a more frantic pace.

A slower galloping riff christens “Rider of Doom” with a hint of menace. If some of the earlier tracks were virtually unadulterated classic rock, this one and the previous track evoke the glory days of the NWOBHM. The more outright heavy metal tone on this track is complemented by razor sharp soloing from Mike Martínez.

“From this day forward” brings the album back to firm classic rock territory. Sumptuous duel guitar harmonies are the order of the day here once again and these complement lyrics that emphasise the importance of resilience and positivity.

A gently-paced ballad, which recalls Guns N’ Roses’ more tender moments, “Burn the Night” is a poignant song that reminds us all of the fragility of life’s good times. It is testimony to the young band’s songwriting ability that this track can recreate the feel of a lighters in the air stadium rock anthem.

Closing track “Tu Luz” is Thin Lizzy worship at its finest. Sung entirely in Spanish, it is emblematic of a band enjoying themselves while playing music that they love.

CONCLUSION

An album that will comfortably sit alongside other new wave of classic rock and metal artists such as Spell and Wytch Hazel, The Night is Calling is a highly enjoyable debut from a band that oozes potential.  

TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10

The Night is Calling is available now at Bandcamp:     

https://nightboundiscalling.bandcamp.com/album/the-night-is-calling