Nightstalker - Superfreak

At this point in time i am traveling around California in a rental car with the family and it is times like this you need some good driving music, Nightstalker are a band that seems to fit that need for the most part even though this seems more spacy and psychedelic than previous efforts. One thing that is amazing about Nightstalker is the band has been together for a staggering 20 years and really haven't change their style that much considering how long they have been trying to make a name for themselves. The band did gain a good reputation in the underground Greek scene mainly due to their live performances as early on as 1991 and that still continues to this day. One of the problems the band has faced over the years is their scattered recording history, "Superfreak" is only their third full length release which is pretty disappointing considering how long they have been playing but the fact they are still firmly hooked into the stoner rock sound shows they must really believe in what they are doing. The band doesn't play anything new or innovative, so stay clear of this album if that is what you are looking for. The album is however full of easily accessible,catchy choruses and memorable hooks but also play in a straight-forward style, every song has the same verse-chorus-verse progression so it is easy to get tired of the sound pretty quickly.

The album gets into gear with a chilling intro called "The Science Of Magic" before cranking it up for the first real track named "Enough Is Not Enough". From the get go it is obvious what this band is about, this is riff-rock fueled by weed and alcohol and it stays that way for the duration of the entire CD. Best songs would be "Baby, God Is Dead" despite the repeated vocal lines which are a bit overdone, "Superfreak" that is real simple in one way but also has a great riff played with real precision."Heavy Mental" and "Stain" are other standout tracks but really all the tracks on here have such a similar to one or another, it is real hard to separate one track from the next. A special mention must go to bass player Andreas who has a Geezer Butler type quality to his playing, some of the bass lines are awesome and its all helped along by some excellent production. Tolis is a great guitar playing also that while he is playing a style that has been done a million times before, you have to remember how long this band has been together, that pretty much makes them originators even though not many bands (if any) quote Nightstalker as a influence. The weak point for me has always been the vocalist Argy, this will upset you Nightstalker fans out there but his voice has never really cut it for me. He sounds like a cross between Ozzy Osbourne and Dave Wyndorf but without really mastering either approach to singing. At times he just seems to be moaning as opposed to singing and it just gets on my nerves after a few songs.

In conclusion, i must say if Nightstalker was a band from the USA then they would be a big well known band and a major influence. They play with passion and obviously have a real love for the style of music that they play. This comes out in their songs which are real strong despite their sometimes simplistic approach to arrangement. This will appeal to fans of everyone from Sabbath, Motorhead to Clutch and early Monster Magnet. Don't worry about what i said about the vocal style of Argy because i am sure a lot of people will dig his vocal sound, that is just a personal gripe with me. This is Nightstalker's strongest release so far but it is unlikely to win them any new fans but its "Raw Rock 'n Roll simplicity" made to be played loud with a few beers in the belly. 7/10

www.myspace.com/nightstalkermusic