NOW OR NEVER – II
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 06-02-2016
Featuring ex-members of Pretty Maids and Nightmare, Now or Never on their second album "II" performs a hybrid of their melodic metal past with more modern hard rock hooks and production values. Guitarist Ricky Marx and bassist Kenn Jackson along with vocalist Jo Amore and drummer Ranzo are seasoned players – sprinkling a lot of Priest-like mid-tempo riffs against high octane vocals and rock solid tempos. Highlights include the steamroller "Sonic Ecstasy" as well as the semi-militant and mysterious "I Shall Remain" where Jo holds out some serious notes in a Chris Cornell/ Soundgarden-esque fashion.
Chances are if you like Pretty Maids and can handle a little bit of an Alter Bridge/ Shinedown sheen to their songwriting, "II" and its 10 songs will meet your listening needs. There’s an edge to this material that puts it beyond ‘typical’ modern hard rock, so give it a chance for Now or Never’s sake.