Athens-based Nightkill make their debut with an album that delivers a strong first impression. Formed swiftly after Thodoris Martini’s departure from prog-metal act Solid Faith, the band introduces themselves with eight tracks firmly rooted in classic heavy metal.
The opening title track immediately sets the tone, making the band’s sonic direction clear. Their sound is uncompromisingly classic, with guitars taking center stage—stripped of unnecessary embellishments. The production leans modern, but not to the point of diminishing the album’s traditional heavy metal essence. The choruses are catchy, often lingering in your mind, and the album features several standout moments in this regard.
There’s a commendable variety in songwriting, though personally, I would have liked more fast-paced tracks and fewer mid-tempo numbers. One of the album’s most melodic highlights is “Don’t Give Up”, which showcases a different side of the band. Having followed Martini across different musical landscapes, I believe this project places him squarely in his element, and he sounds more at ease behind the microphone than ever before.
Another standout is “Devil’s Heart”, the fastest track on the album—I’d love to hear at least one more song in this vein from the band.
Ultimately, “Survive the Night” is a well-crafted debut that holds up under scrutiny. If this is just the beginning, I look forward to what’s next!
