Nightblade – 5: Album Review

16th April 2025 0 By Jess Mather

Formed in the UK, Nightblade are a hard rock band that blends classic rock roots with a modern melodic twist. Featuring Mark Crosby (vocals), James Boyle (guitar), Chris Seldon (bass/guitar), and Elliot Potts (drums), the band launched a five-album streak beginning in 2020. Their latest release, which is and symbolically named ‘5, marks the culmination of that creative run—a polished and passionate summary of their evolution.

‘5’ delivers a sonically clean and cohesive production. Guitars are crisp, vocals are upfront, and drums sit nicely in the mix without overpowering. While not overly experimental, there are tasteful production touches—like subtle layering and spatial effects—that enhance the album’s dynamics. It feels polished, if not groundbreaking.

Nightblade has a knack for accessible rock songwriting. Tracks like “One Night On The Town” and “Heard It All Before” are driven by catchy hooks and confident choruses. Lyrically, ‘5’ leans on classic rock tropes—love, loss, and defiance—with enough personality to avoid cliché, though some moments feel lyrically safe or expected.

The album moves with intent. While each track brings a different tempo or mood, the sequencing feels carefully crafted. A bluesy stomp might follow a high-energy anthem, but it works. The range in tone and pacing adds depth without disrupting the overall flow.

Mark Crosby‘s vocals carry warmth and grit, lending gravitas to even the album’s more playful tracks. The rhythm section is tight and purposeful, with James Boyle’s guitar work standing out—never flashy, but expressive and effective. The band plays like a seasoned unit, and their chemistry is built across five albums.

While ‘5’ may not reinvent the genre, it’s a strong closer to Nightblade’s five-album arc. Fans of hard and classic rock will find plenty to enjoy and revisit. Its diversity gives it legs, though it might not hook casual listeners as deeply on a first spin.

Nightblade’s ‘5’ is a confident, well-rounded album that encapsulates their journey since 2020. It doesn’t chase trends but instead refines the band’s core strengths—solid songwriting, genuine performances, and an appreciation for rock’s timeless essence. While it plays things safe at times, ‘5’ succeeds as a passionate, polished, and fitting finale.

Score 8/10

TRACK LISTING:
1. One Night On The Town (5:07)
2. Grave Mistake (5:33)
3. I’ll Be Home Tonight (5:33)
4. Never Trust Another (3:52)
5. Left At The Lights (4:21)
6 Speak As You Find (4:07)
7. Heard It All Before (4:39)
8. Where’s it Gonna Get You (4:45)
9. What You Did Was Wrong (6:11)
10. Face Doesn’t Fit (5:53)