Lista de Bandas Hard Rock Knightshade Knightshade

A compilation of studio tracks, some from EPs others from I must confess I do not know where. Six I know of offical release, seven I do not.

Soundwise , vocally think of Wayne Elliot as a more melodic version of Rob Halford (i.e. less dramatic but easy on the ear). The band's songs are not overly complex but occasionally surprise with a bridge here and there or reinterpretation of a verse (Heart of Stone). A twin guitar approach providde most of the harmony, only once does the bass become less background (Million Dollar Love). While not overly adventurous the sheer standard of songwriting holds things together allied with the economic playing. Why this is not a radio feature on Classic Type rock stations I don't know.

Worthy of note are You Don't Need Me, Blood And Money, Heart of Stone and The Physical You and Hate You In The Morning. There are a lot of hooks and the song oriented approach of Kinghtshade make for a very accessible listen. The tenor of the lyrical content is everyman orientation. If it's surreal imagery, death, insanity look elsewhere. If it's a bunch of higly enjoyable tunes that will fit in with your collection of Priest, UFO, (even Stones to Scorpions) then, IF you find this, it's well worth it.

In concert as in the studio Knightshade delivered well as a tight strong band. I even witnessed guitarist Rik Bernards briefly with fellow heavy rockers Strikemaster (the stage props for the unreleased composition 'The Ropes' will live long (unfortunately - as they were nooses...). Then he went and joined this crew and they recorded the superbly melodic 'You Don't Need Me.'

En passant, Jayrem have released a 2011 2CD showcasing NZ 80s heavy rock that includes the 3 Points of Metal (1984) compilation with Strikemaster and Tokyo. Knightshade share the lions share of space (...could have been expanded Jayrem...) which does have a concert version of Free Love.

I would have rate this compilation higher had their classic Free Love been included (might be a licensing issue, not sure). Frankly a full set including the live releases (think "The Lot") would been good...) But what we have are tightly played melodic hard rockers by a classic NZ hard rock band.