NEONFLY – Strangers in Paradise
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 27-12-2014
Self-described as purveyors of ‘stadium metal for the masses’ according to their Facebook page, Neonfly on their second album "Strangers in Paradise" straddle the melodic metal and modern hard rock platforms through this 10 song effort. Occasional symphonic keyboard flourishes on "Heart of the Sun" give the style a little more pep, but the choppy, Disturbed-like guitars against Willy Norton’s higher pitched, engaging rock vocals for "Highways to Nowhere" would be best served for corporate radio and not a band with obvious natural metal talent such as Neonfly.
Uplifting material such as "Heart of the Sun" and "Sons of Liberty" has a touch of that Freedom Call feel, Frederick Thunder and Patrick Harrington spitting out killer leads and steady rhythms sometimes in a darker Kamelot manner (check out the 6:25 "Chasing the Night"). Which makes this UK quintet a roller coaster ride that many will want to sample before diving fully into the main course. I fear "Strangers in Paradise" could be a case of too light for many, too heavy for some – and that could mean a decent cross section of genres getting into Neonfly if they play their festival/touring appearances right.
At this point in time, Neonfly is serviceable melodic metal that can get the job done, but isn’t setting off fireworks in my mind.