Wicked Smile – When Night Falls

Wicked Smile
When Night Falls
Out: 6^th February 2026
Playing time: 45:19

Wicked Smile are all about bringing back fist pumping, melodic heavy metal to the forefront.

A statement like that naturally arouses curiosity. Wicked Smile hail from Melbourne, Australia, and were formed in 2019. They have released one studio album to date. ‘Wait For The Night’ was released in 2021 and became an ‘Album of the Year’ – presumably in their home country. Just like their current album ‘When Night Falls’, it was self-released. The press release talks about ‘ten killer songs’. I couldn’t resist listening to album number two.

And ‘When Night Falls’ confirms the quote. This Melodic Metal is truly captivating. Hard riffs, pounding bass and drums, a singer whose voice is made for this sound. Great melodies, especially in the chorus, and a powerful guitar solo. Heavy Metal fan, what more could you want? The tempo slows down a little with the great Metal anthem ‘Back To Back’. The bass line that introduces the song is impressive. The “ohohoho” vocals also fit well, especially because they are not overdone. ‘Face Of The Wicked’ is also calm, with a sublime sound. Calm but hard riffs dominate. ‘Rebel Souls’ is another banger. It’s a little faster than the two previous songs. Danny Cecati is briefly supported by a choir in the refrain. The crowning glory is a great guitar solo. ‘Never Surrender’ goes one better. It really crackles, you can hear the immense joy of playing. And the interplay between the two guitarists is simply outstanding. In ‘Close Your Eyes Before The Rain’, too, the riffs fly around your ears, while the second guitar delivers beautiful melodies. The powerful vocals are occasionally distorted. ‘Walking The Wire’ takes us into the realm of Classic Heavy Metal, with hard riffs and frequent double bass drumming. ‘Night Time Riders’ goes in exactly the same way, with even harder guitars. ‘Heavens Falling Down (Crutch)’ is the obligatory power ballad on this album. With subtle guitars and calm vocals alternating with powerful passages, both instrumentally and vocally. Simply beautiful, but never cheesy. The last two songs, ‘Phoenix Will Rise’ and especially ‘Scream N Shout’, pick up the tempo again. An extremely rocking finale.

Wicked Smile have fully accomplished the mission they set themselves. On ‘When Night Falls’ we hear Melodic Heavy Metal that is sure to thrill every fan. Once again, the saying ‘all killer, no filler’ applies here. And this time there is even one more song than on the debut album.

Wicked Smile – When Night Falls: https://youtu.be/75nqaXFH9sg?si=iRM94MhYE7j16icz

Lineup:

Danny Cecati – Lead Vocals
Stevie Janevski – Guitar
Davey Graham – Guitar
Tom Nugara – Bass
Andrew Sharp – Drums

Track list:

• When Night Falls
• Back To Back
• Face Of The Wicked
• Rebel Souls
• Never Surrender
• Close Your Eyes Before The Rain
• Walking The Wire
• Night Time Riders
• Heavens Falling Down (Crutch)
• Phoenix Will Rise
• Scream N Shout