The Best of NZM Feat. Hit Single No Innocence. Album Review

Sunday, 28 July 2024 23:33

The Best of NZM Feat. Hit Single No Innocence. Album Review

Written by Gene Aaron

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The Best of NZM Feat. Hit Single No Innocence. Album Review

The release of “the best of…” compilation albums by any accomplished artist is always a major and highly anticipated event, praised by fans and the press. More importantly, such work is expected to be a signified mark set upon a certain, often pivotal point of the artist’s career, embarking on the upcoming new chapters. "The Best of NZM" by the prominent South Florida power metal band NZM, released on July 19, 2024, via FireRock Music Group, is just that.

NZM, led by brilliant vocalist, virtuoso keyboard player, and producer Nick Z Marino, introduced their exceptional work throughout the years, which features the band's greatest hits, fan favorites, and rare tracks, capturing the essence of NZM's high-energy and emotionally charged performances and powerful sound, including their latest hit single “No Innocence," offering fans both a nostalgic journey and a fresh perspective on the band’s musical evolution.

This compilation is a meticulously curated selection of musically and technically advanced compositions that span the band's illustrious career, showcasing their signature sound and the defining moments that have shaped their identity. NZM put together 12 tracks charged with adrenaline, pure and raw emotions, classically arranged instrumentation, intricate yet catchy melodies, and deep thought-provoking lyrics, in which Nick Z Marino reflects on human life and love stories, personal yet universal, shares experiences scorched by war, searches for answers to difficult questions, expressing his strive for freedom, self-determination, and independence.

NZM - No Innocence

The album's first advance single "No Innocence" was first released worldwide on June 14, 2024, electrified the heavy metal scene and quickly became an affirmation of NZM's status as a formidable force in the world of heavy metal. In this powerful track, Nick Z Marino explores hidden and powerful forces that manipulate and dictate the existence of someone “simple and small,” how “they” control minds, resources, and completely dominate and suppress one’s will, and how “they” do it with impunity and devoid of innocence.

"No Innocence" encapsulates the band's signature high-octane sound and lyrical intensity and demonstrates NZM's continued prowess in delivering hard-hitting metal anthems, a definitive performance and style, presented by some of the most masterful, experienced, and versatile group of artists in the modern rock and metal scene.

Michael Wilkerson, Head of A&R for FireRock Music Group comments, "Nick Z Marino, band leader of NZM is an amazing talent of epic proportions. He was an incredible find for our record label. When I heard his single "No Innocence" at that moment in time, I knew we had to sign him."

If ever felt powerless, vulnerable, or suppressed, one can find hope and get empowered by listening to No Innocence, Freedom Has No Price, Remember My Name, and Raise Your Head, and find strength to fight your internal demons in The Force Within, Soul, Rise Above, and End of Days. Many would feel connected and even healed through heart-opening exploration of relationships, love, and pain in You Gotta Go Away, Never Kneel Down, To Be With You, Get Away.

NZM - No Innocence (from "The Best Of NZM")

The band’s soundscape foundation is built by drummer Kevin Klingenchmid, Marino’s mate in Yngwie Malmsteen’s line-up, and his brother Robert Klingenschmid on bass. Along with guitar master Denver Cooper, whose impeccable technique, filigree soloing, and hard-firing riffs, together with Marino’s symphonic keyboards create synergetic orchestrations for Nick’s full range, multi-octave, and distinctively powerful and shrill vocals.

Every song is carefully crafted as progressively arranged compositions. Classical choral intros in No Innocence, Freedom Has No Price, and Remember My Name and the orchestration opening in You Gotta Go Away set a very high anticipation to experience something bigger than any mainstream power metal hit. It totally proves this with fast speed scale passages and sequenced voicing in Freedom Has No Price and Soul, and ornamental arpeggio soloing and modulations in Never Kneel Down, and with thunderously tight rhythm section with double bass and seamlessly connecting drum fills throughout the entire album.

While NZM's core estate is high-energy, fast-paced, and aggressive power metal, the band shows its softer side with an acoustic intro in To Be With You and the power ballad Get Away. The final track End of Days starts with faery acoustic piano movement and operatic vocals fused into a heart-pounding, heavily blasting finale.

Throughout "The Best of NZM," the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of power metal is evident. Their fusion of classical music, symphonic, and progressive metal influenced by modern sensibilities results in a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

With this release, NZM not only cements their place in the power metal pantheon but also sets the stage for future innovations. "The Best of NZM" is a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their unwavering dedication to their craft. It is a result of the years of exceptional work by some of the most talented and skilled musicians, who are exemplary and influential as a group or through their participation in other projects or solo work.

Fans and newcomers alike will find much to celebrate in this thrilling compilation. This album is a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers to the band's electrifying music.

The Best of NZM

The Best of NZM Track List

1. No Innocence (Single, 2024)

2. Freedom Has No Price (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

3. The Force Within (Eternal Fire, 2014)

4. Soul (Alive, 2016)

5. Remember My Name (Alive, 2016)

6. You Gotta Go Away (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

7. Never Kneel Down (Rise Above, 2023)

8. Raise Your Head (Alive, 2016)

9. To Be With You (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

10. Get Away (Alive, 2016)

11. Rise Above (Rise Above, 2023)

12. End of Days (Rise Above, 2023)

1. No Innocence (Single, 2024)

2. Freedom Has No Price (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

3. The Force Within (Eternal Fire, 2014)

4. Soul (Alive, 2016)

5. Remember My Name (Alive, 2016)

6. You Gotta Go Away (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

7. Never Kneel Down (Rise Above, 2023)

8. Raise Your Head (Alive, 2016)

9. To Be With You (Freedom Has No Price*, 2010)

10. Get Away (Alive, 2016)

11. Rise Above (Rise Above, 2023)

12. End of Days (Rise Above, 2023)

All songs on "The Best of NZM" are written by Nick Z Marino except for the last track ‘End Of Days,’ which is also credited to guitarist Denver Cooper.

Listen to "The Best Of NZM" here: Spotify.com / The Best Of NZM

ABOUT NZM

NZM is a high energy power metal band with strong melodic vocal lines and edgy riffs. It is based in South Florida and was formed in 2010.

Artists such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Symphony X, Deep Purple, AC/DC, Dio, Iron Maiden, Queen and Scorpions have had a strong influence on NZM’s music.

Nick Z Marino released his first solo album "Freedom Has No Price" for Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force Records in April 2010.

NZM drummer Kevin Klingenschmid is also the current drummer in Yngwie Malmsteen's band.

NZM Line-up:

Nick Z Marino - lead vocals and keyboards

Robert Klingenchmid- bass

Kevin Klingenchmid- drums

Denver Cooper - lead guitar

NZM Discography:

*Nick Marino - “Freedom Has No Price” (Album) - 2010

NZM - "Eternal Fire" (Album) - 2014

NZM - "Alive" (Album) - 2016

NZM - "Under a Spell" (Single) - 2018

NZM - "Time's Running Out" (Album) - 2020

NZM - “Rise Above” (Album) - 2023

NZM - "No Innocence" (Single) - 2024

NZM - "The Best of NZM" (album) - 2024

Follow NZM

Nick Z Marino - lead vocals and keyboards

Nick began his musical training at the age of 7, receiving classical vocal and piano lessons. His talent grew throughout his adolescence as he performed across Europe and Asia, drawing influence from legendary artists like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Dio, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, and AC/DC. In 2005, Nick joined Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, touring the USA and Japan on the "Unleash The Fury" tour. His demo material caught Malmsteen's ear, leading to the release of his solo album “Freedom Has No Price” under Yngwie’s Rising Force Records in 2009, marking the first non-Malmsteen release on the label.

In 2010, Nick formed the NZM Band, serving as the lead singer and keyboard player. He continued to collaborate with Malmsteen, featuring on the live album "Spellbound - Live from Tampa" and the DVD "Spellbound - Live from Orlando" in 2013. Nick released the NZM Band's debut album “Eternal Fire” in 2014, followed by tours in Europe. He joined the super-band "Generation Axe" for their USA tours in 2016 and 2018, performing alongside Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Tosin Abasi. NZM Band released the album "Alive" in 2016, and Nick continued to tour with "Generation Axe" in Asia in 2019.

In spring of 2018 Nick Z Marino joined forces with VOICES OF METAL, featuring singers such as Tim Ripper Owens, Mike Viscera, Edu Falaschi and John Ivan on guitar. In October 2018 Nick Z Marino went on a solo Ukrainian tour featuring John Ivan on lead guitar, Gorka Alegre on bass and Brian Wilson on drums. Nick’s collaboration with Ukrainian shredder master John Ivan resulted in three hit singles “Low Riders,” “Gypsy Woman,” and “Never Give Up” featured on John Ivan’s solo album GuitarSlinger, released via Bestia Records on February 14th, 2024.

FireRock Music Group is the driving force behind the pulse-pounding, electrifying world of rock music.

With a passion for the genre and a commitment to nurturing and promoting the talents that define it, FireRock solidified its place as a powerhouse in the industry.

Established by a group of die-hard rock aficionados, the label is dedicated to unearthing the raw, untamed energy that defines rock ‘n’ roll and sharing it with the world.

FireRock Music Group official website

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Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

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Gene Aaron

Managing editor

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