“Nightsteel” is the self-titled debut album of the brand new Greek heavy metal band NIGHTSTEEL. founded in 2022 by songwriter and bassist Bill Sam. While working on some old and new demos, he asked his friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join and take the project to the next level.
After working with some local vocalists, Bill decided to take it a step further and work with some of the most prominent shouters in the metal scene.
He first contacted Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising), who was fascinated by the songs and agreed to sing on the album. Due to Travis’s busy recording and touring schedule, he wasn’t able to finish all the songs (he does lead vocals on 4 songs), so Bill also recruited Craig Cairns (Tailgunner, ex-Induction), Rob Lundgren (Reveal, Mystery Moon), and Mauro Elias to sing on the remaining tracks.
Additionally, virtuoso guitarist Igor Paspalj (Guitarist of the Year 2020 by Guitar World and Guitar Player magazines) agreed to play solos on two songs. The lineup was completed by Jasmin C. on guitar and keyboards.
Their combination of heavy riffs, amazing solos, and strong melodies makes NIGHTSTEEL melodic metal music absolutely captivating. It’s the perfect album to take you back to the days when metal was loud and heavy.
Musicwise, “Nightsteel” is as diverse as the team of special guests that recorded it keeping, though, the 1980’s flame high. “Warlord’s Betrayal,” for instance, has a nice bass line opening it with frantic guitar riffs plus a more epic kind of vocal provided by Travis Wills. By the way, he is the one who gives the album that classic metal feeling.
I would say “Nightsteel” is a very organic and natural album as it seems, even though the mobility of the musicians, by tracks as “Eternal Fight.” It feels the band rapidly acquired a signature.
“Nightsteel” is a hodgepodge of influences. Those can be felt in all tracks. However the band was able to imprint its own signature. While songs as the ballad “Whispers of the Heart” have an early 80s Yngwie Malmsteen aura, others as tittle track “Nightsteel” have a Dio intent for the epic grip.
On the other hand, “Eternal Fight” takes a more commercial road with keyboards in the mix and a very melodic vocal. “Calm Lake,” on the opposite, takes an aggressive line with the guitars and vocals making a very interesting contrast with the previous track. By the way, the guitar work here is very interesting. The very emotional voice provided by Mauro Elias helps a lot as well.
That’s the beauty of the album, each track tells a different story.
NIGHTSTEEL embodies the spirit of classic ’80s metal, reviving the sound of the genre however served with a modern production. Songs are really strong, varied in arrangements, and while there’s four vocalists, as a whole, the album results cohesive.
It’s really nice to hear again the majestic voice of Travis Wills (Crimson Glory), as well as a selection of great vocalists and musicians in general – and a band keeping the 80s flame alive.
Highly Recommended
01. Nightsteel (feat. Travis Wills)
02. Darkness Reigns (feat. Travis Wills)
03. Screams of Agony (feat. Travis Wills
04. Warlord’s Betrayal (feat. Travis Wills)
05. Whispers of the Heart (feat. Rob Lundgren & Igor Paspalj)
06. Eternal Fight (feat. Craig Cairns)
07. Calm Lake (feat. Mauro Elias)
08. Win or Lose (feat. Craig Cairns)
09. Panagioti (feat. Mauro Elias)
10. Damned Sorrows (feat. Mauro Elias)
11. Carry On (feat. Travis Wills & Igor Paspalj) [CD bonus track]
Bill Sam – Bass, songwriting, backing vocals
Travis Wills – Vocals, backing vocals
Igor Paspalj – Lead guitars
Jasmin M. – Guitars, keys
Craig Cairns – Vocals, backing vocals
Rob Lundgren – Vocals, backing vocals
Mauro Elias – Vocals, backing vocals
Mike Foudotos – Drums
Nightsteel – Nightsteel 2025
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