Madman’s Lullaby - Nocturnal Overdrive

Madman’s Lullaby - Nocturnal Overdrive Part 1

EP review by; Nick

Release Date – 27 May 2021

So, this is my introduction to Madman’s Lullaby and when I first listen to a band usually that is the make or break to whether I will become a fan or not. When I was asked to do this review, I got myself comfortable, put the headphones on and was ready to go on my next musical journey. The EP starts off with an intense introduction Love Rain Down. It begins with a beautiful melodic guitar intro, an amazing tone which is accompanied with crunching riffs from the second guitar. It builds up nicely and although short and sweet, it sets the tone for the rest of the EP with harmonising guitar followed by a very busy guitar solo, leading into the next song.

We continue the pace with Next Show, lots of influences on this song with a very heavy metal approach. It will get you up and air guitaring with the best of them as I did. This is the first time we hear vocalist Chris Michaels and his voice soars. The band remind me a lot like 80s era Judas Priest and Queensryche with a little bit of early W.A.S.P. thrown in for good measure. I love all three bands so straight away I am sold. The songs heavy guitar intro and almost power metal like high pitched vocals make you want to get into your car and drive 100mph at this song. Its riffs, it’s heavy and it will truly rock your socks off.

Drive Me Crazy slows the pace down a little bit giving us more of an Appetite for Destruction era Guns N Roses vibe to it. It kicks off with a solid into from drummer Eric Arbizu followed by chugging guitars and bass. The song is very sludgy throughout with lots of wah-wah pedal in places from the guitar, including the shredding guitar solo that will leave any frustrated guitarist mesmerised.

We move into the next song, which is easily my favourite on the album and very close to my own heart as the choice of subject tackles a relationship break up and trying to let go of the person you love. The song is called Love Don’t Come Easy and has lovely acoustic guitar chords throughout. You can hear Geoff Tate influences in Chris’s vocals and the songs chorus is very sing along and easy to learn, allowing the listener to join in with the thought-provoking lyrics. More beautiful guitar solos from Mr. Brett with a blistering solo finale full of emotion.

The next song, In Your Mind continues down the path of motivational lyrics. It does what it says on the tin, dealing with struggles inside the mind of the protagonist. It is chugging heavy rock at its finest and it is also the single from the album, making is an accessible listen for all.

We come to the end of the EP with the final song, Never Too Late it begins at a nice slow almost ballad like pace giving off a sombre vibe. The pace eventually picks up with more Queensryche influenced flavours and amazing lyrics that again give you something to think about. It has a big sound and top-notch production with lots of bombast, a great way to finish on. This song truly makes you want to sing from the rooftops and then some. The song speeds up a little midway before coming into land with a dramatic yet satisfying close.

A great little listen, if you like bands like Judas Priest and Queensryche and you like your metal melodic yet heavy at the same time, check these out. They will not disappoint. Sometimes all we need is a little bit of musical therapy.

Album Rating 4.5/5

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Order the EP here; https://www.mmlrocks.com/cd-s-and-merch.html

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