Slovenia’s own Vigilance brings forth their first full length release on MetalTank Records, with “Queen of the Midnight Fire”.  Listening from track to track I can get a real sense of earlier 90’s based thrash metal, with many Iron Maiden Melodic Minor based riffs. Choice in riff structuring is well written, at times found some of which could have been better placed, but overall Jakob and Gilian keep the songs flowing well incorporating many different styles of Death and thrash in effectively. Their musical ability is demonstrated throughout the album with their use rapid riff changes and guitar solos

I was most impressed by Tine’s drumming abilities, incorporating various styles of Jazz and Metal throughout. They do a decent job of keeping a flowing beat with punishing rhythms, I’m not one for too many changes, and at times I found myself wanting to hear more song structuring. Anze’s bass has a great sound for the music, he seems to move from song to song effectively, great non-intrusive sound just enough low end and treble. Moving on to the vocals Jakob has a great vocal range, I personally would back off the reverb a tad bit more, I felt that dryer vocals would of done a greater justice. Very reminiscent of King Diamond’s vocals at many points, which he definitely has to be given credit for hitting those notes, by far it is no easy task. I was impressed by the range, however placement and cadence could of made the songs stand out more.

Overall the musicianship is there, they have an incredible amount of talent not to be taken lightly. I just wasn’t able to find the song which really gripped me enough to really make this effort standout. Not to take anything away from Vigilance they are a great band, at times I felt that the songs could have used a little more structuring specifically in melding bigger choruses with more harmonized guitars. As they continue to work together I can see a clearer definition of their sound and songs making them a high caliber group not to be reckoned with.

"Queen of the Midnight Fire" Album Tracks
1. Queen of the Midnight Fire
2. Behind the Cellar Door
3. SpeedWave
4. What Lies Beyond…
5. Night Terrors
6. Four Crowns of Hell
7. Poetry and the Gods
8. Under Sulphurous Skies
9. Ritual of Death