• Mon. Dec 2nd, 2024

Deadly Lightning: Greek Heavy Metal Project Returns With National Betrayal!

ByTaylor T Carlson

Apr 30, 2018

In September of 2009, Aias Lightning founded his power metal project, Deadly Lightning, combining his influences, including groups like Scorpions, Iron Maiden, Guns N Roses, Europe, and countless others. Developing a unique melodic sound with meaningful lyrics and powerful solos and instrumentation, his project has taken on a life of its own, also reflecting his own classical and traditional influences.

The first Deadly Lighting album, Fire the Lightning, saw release in October 2015, to positive reviews from a variety of rock and metal fans. A follow-up effort, National Betrayal, has finally seen release. How does this latest release from the Greek musician measure up?

 

 

One of the best things about reviewing music is getting to explore and experience new talents from around the world Aias Lightning and his Deadly Lightning project have no shortage of influence, yet he’s managed to bring all this together and make something unique of his own. National Betrayal, though far too long at 18 tracks with many exceeding the five-minute mark, leaves a lasting impact with some fantastic songs that demand attention from fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal.

Though the influences are far and wide, many of them are quite noticeable, in the best of ways. The vocals on the album are surprisingly strong, with Klaus Meine of the Scorpions being the most noticeable vocal influence. Yet the record’s style is all over the place in its lengthy duration. From tracks reminiscent of Uli Jon Roth-era Scorpions to more symphonic and melodic pieces, from prog to power metal, this album’s got a little bit of everything. And of course, instrumentals and solos as well.

If you’re a hard rock or heavy metal fan, Deadly Lightning’s National Betrayal deserves some attention. Don’t overlook this one; there are plenty of diverse cuts on here to enjoy. Yes, it’s overlong, overblown, and way too ambitious for its own good, but you won’t regret giving this one a listen if you’re a fan of the genre. Highly recommended!

 

Photos provided by Aias Lightning.

By Taylor T Carlson

Taylor T Carlson Assistant Editor/Senior Staff Writer Taylor T. Carlson was born August 17, 1984, and has called the Vegas Valley home his entire life. A die-hard fan of classic rock and metal music, Taylor has been writing album and concert reviews since he was 16 years old, and continues to do so, having done well over 1,000 reviews. He is also a fan of video gaming and cinema, and has reviewed a number of games and films as well, old and new alike. His thorough and honest (some would say brutally honest) reviewing style has won him the respect of hundreds of music fans and musicians alike, both local and abroad, and the ire of just as many others. Despite being one of the youngest attendees at classic hard rock/metal shows around Vegas, he is also one of the most knowledgeable, having gained the unofficial nickname of “The Eddie Trunk of Las Vegas.” In addition to reviews, Taylor has written and self-published three books on classic hard rock bands, and is a regular participant in rock and roll trivia contests. Taylor also holds a masters degree in special education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and has appeared on the hit History Channel television series Pawn Stars. His dream is to be able to one day make a living from writing music books and reviews.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.