Nighthawk | Six Three O | Mighty Music

 

Sweden has long been a stronghold for melodic rock, and Nighthawk is one of the names keeping that flame burning brightly. The band was first put together by Robert Majd, who many will recognize from Captain Black Beard and Metalite, and quickly grew into a gathering of seasoned musicians from across the country’s rock and metal scene. With Björn Strid of Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra on vocals, John Lönnmyr on keyboards, Rasmus Ehrnborn on bass, and Magnus Ulfstedt on drums, the lineup alone reads like an all-star team. Over the past few years, Nighthawk have steadily built a following with their albums and tours, and their momentum continues with their newest release, “Six Three O.”

Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales, the album carries a sense of history while clearly being the product of a modern and ambitious band. From the opening track “Hard Rock Warrior,” the sound is immediate and full of life, setting the tone for a collection that thrives on energy and strong songwriting. “Home Tonight” feels like a natural highlight, with its soaring melodies carried by Strid’s voice and Majd’s guitar work driving it forward. “Angel Of Mine” picks up the pace with infectious rhythm, while “Can’t Say Goodbye” finds the band stretching their creativity with a vocal twist that adds freshness to the flow of the record.

The album isn’t afraid to move between different shades of melodic rock, from the straightforward charge of “Too Good To You” to the more atmospheric “Turn To Me.” The cover of Rainbow’s “Man On The Silver Mountain” rounds off the album with power, paying tribute to one of the genre’s greats without losing Nighthawk’s own identity. “Six Three O” feels like the sound of a band that enjoys playing together and has a clear vision of what they want to deliver. It’s an album packed with energy, hooks, and a sense of excitement that keeps it engaging from start to finish. For fans of melodic hard rock, it’s a release that brings together familiar voices and players into something that feels exciting and memorable.

Score: 7.5