Although this is the band’s third album, I understand it’s their first for Nuclear Blast, so there may be plenty of people unaware of exactly who is in this project – so who the hell are they? OK, so you’ve got Björn “Speed” Strid (mainly known as the vocalist for Soilwork, but also currently doing stuff with Blinded in Bliss, I Legion and Terror 2000 as far as I know), plus his Soilwork co-hort David Andersson on Guitar. Now, Andersson is also in Power Metallers Mean Streak along with 3rd member of The Night Flight Orchestra, drummer Jonas Källsbäck…who, in turn is in Gathering of Kings with 4th member of the band Richard Larsson. Completing the line-up are guitarist/percussionist Sebastian Forslund and the well-known looming presence of bassist supremo Sharlee D’Angelo (Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars, Witchery, Mercyful Fate etc, etc…). And so right now, if you’ve never heard the band before you probably think you know what to expect. Nope, think again…

It’s a fabulous thing in the Metal community that musicians can be happily plugging away in their respective bands, then over a few beers find they have a similar taste in a more unexpected form of heavy music that sometimes can lead to a side project like this that has been put together for the sheer enjoyment of it. “Amber Galactic” kicks off with a slab of mighty heavy rock (‘Midnight Flyer’) which wouldn’t have been out of place on Rainbow’s “Down To Earth”. It’s that good – with Strid doing a stunning Graham Bonnet impersonation, underlining the versatile and talented vocalist that he is. The Cozy Powell style power-house drum lines back the driving bass, urgent guitar and Don Airey-esque keyboards – excellent! As the album continues, it never again quite reaches this level of heaviness, but there is still more than enough to enjoy in other areas it progresses.

The classic, timeless top quality hard rock of the late 70’s to mid 80’s is ever present – sometimes the band remind me of Pretty Maids (‘Sad State Of Affairs’ and ‘Star Of Rio’ in particular, with Strid’s ability to shift between a gravelly hard voice and cleaner, melodic tone akin to Ronnie Atkins being the crowning glory), other times the band nudge even more into the AOR territory of Kansas, Journey or even Foreigner, especially on the ultra-catchy melodic choruses. There were so many well known credible acts around at that time that any fan of the genre will hear something familiar, but none of the bands back then really managed to cram in as many of the best elements on one album quite like The Night Flight Orchestra have managed here. Hindsight being very useful of course…

But it’s those fine little touches and attention to detail that really give this album it’s class and authenticity – like the backing vocals for instance – that use of harmonized high male with female is so typical of that time and executed perfectly throughout “Amber Galactic”. The choice of keyboard sounds – that mix of piano and synthesizer, is also absolutely spot on. There’s plenty of Neal Schon-type melodic lead-work to take pleasure in too. The Night Flight Orchestra really do have this style nailed and with that nice shiny Nuclear Blast deal notched up these already well known musos can really open up to an even wider audience. Don’t ya just love side projects?

(8.5/10 – Andy Barker)

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