Nightfly Concussion Protocol is the 12th studio album from US power metal act Vicious Rumors. Guitarist Geoff Thorpe and drummer Larry Howe are the mainstay of the band having been there since the start. Other than them it’s another complete line-up change with the addition of Nick Holleman, Thaen Rasmussen and Tilen Hudrap on vocals, guitar and bass respectively.

The line-up changes have made no difference to the sound and it’s another rock solid collection of US power metal in the vein of most Vicious Rumors albums with the usual mix of mid paced and flat out with lots of double kick drum patterns rockers. There’s no surprises as expected, just Vicious Rumors doing what they do well but as always the standard of playing is high and the quality of the songs whilst not matching their 1990 self-titled album is as good as anything they’ve released in the last 20 years. In fact for sheer consistency it’s one of the best as there’s not a duff track in sight though it’s the up tempo songs like Chemical Slaves, Chasing the Priest, 1000 Years and Every Blessing Is A Curse that pack the greatest punch. A powerful and clear production also helps enhance the songs to best effect too.

Vicious Rumors are the benchmark I measure all US power metal bands against and for me they’re still the best and if they keep releasing quality releases like Concussion Protocol they’ll keep the competition at bay for some time to come.