Vigilhunter | Vigilhunter | High Roller Records

 

Vigilhunter is the newest project spearheaded by Alexx Panza, a name already familiar to fans of modern heavy and power metal. His vocal presence was distinct on Hitten’s 2023 release "While Passion Lasts" and Jack Starr's Burning Starr's "Souls Of The Innocent" (2022). For this new project, Panza steps into dual roles as both frontman and guitarist. Rounding out the lineup are Mirko Negrino on bass, Mattia Itala on guitar, and Marcello “Cell” Leocani on drums. While the origins of Vigilhunter go back several years, it wasn’t until recently that the project was revived and brought into a completed form. With backing from High Roller Records, the band delivers its first full-length release.

Vigilhunter’s self-titled debut draws deeply from the well of classic American power metal, delivering a blend of sharp-edged riffing, moody melodies, and high-register vocals that evoke the spirit of late ‘80s and early ‘90s underground stalwarts. The comparisons to Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, and Fates Warning are immediately apparent, yet the band manages to keep their identity intact without merely echoing their predecessors.

Songs like “Disconnected,” “Titan Glory,” and “Sacrifice For Love” move with purpose, structured tightly with a balance of aggression and atmosphere. Panza’s voice remains a commanding presence across the album, confidently navigating complex vocal arrangements with clarity and strength. The guitar work shows a solid grasp of harmonized leads and rhythm interplay, never excessive but always intentional. Bass and drums serve the songs rather than distract from them, which fits the album’s disciplined tone.

The overall production avoids over-compression and maintains a raw, honest energy, which helps preserve the album’s late-'80s character. There is a sincere attempt to capture the spirit of the US metal underground without descending into simple mimicry or pastiche. Tracks like “So Cold...It Burns” and “Outburst Of Rage” add a darker hue to the proceedings, lending some dynamic variety to the record’s pacing. The closing number, “The Downfall,” leaves a lasting impression with its more introspective moments and strong melodic sensibility.

Despite the clear roots in a specific era and style, the album maintains consistency throughout and benefits from a cohesive vision. It does not overreach or wander into territory it cannot handle, and that restraint plays to its advantage. What you get is a direct, focused metal album that respects its influences while committing to its own path.

Score: 8/10