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By BRIAN GIFFIN
WICKED Smile began as the conjunction of two key members from two of Melbourne’s more acclaimed trad/power metal bands. When Night Falls builds on the solid foundations of their first release with evolution and cohesion accentuating a strong sense of purpose.
Too often, revivalist bands have a tendency to mimic their influences too closely, resulting in a sound that’s dated or contrived. Wicked Smile haven’t allowed themselves to fall into that trap.
Without departing from their roots in classic metal, the heavier refinement of the rhythm section allows Wicked Smile to sound modern. The title cut points the way forward with commanding vocals and sharp, harmonised but steely-edged riffs; the next track bristles with the rhythm section adding a groove that a lot of revisionist acts overlook.
“Face of the Wicked” provides the first real throwback to classic metal, an unashamed tribute to the early 80s that sounds like Dio-era Black Sabbath, a darker and chunkier piece than the songs around it. Initially it feels a bit out of place, but the shifts in mood, tone and colour elevate this album above some of its ilk. This is a thoughtfully crafted, dynamic release where none of the elements outweigh any of the others. Heavy tracks like “Walking the Wire” don’t lose momentum when the melody lines chime in. “The Phoenix Will Rise” soars with a cinematic, epic feel, the likes of “Night Time Riders” and the rock-laced “Scream N Shout” are straight-up anthems perfect for the live setting and “Rebel Souls” is another darker, more menacing cut.
At no time does Wicked Smile seem out of their depth and, critically, they keep their focus laser-sharp. They clearly have the chops to do so, but they never allow themselves to stray into histrionics, relying entirely on their sharp songcraft to get their skill and talent across.
When Night Falls is a triumph of substance and control, a well-produced album of great songs from a band that fully understands their art.
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