Nightbearer - Defiance (2025)

Nightbearer's 2025 album, Defiance, is the German melodic death metal band's third full-length release. Metal.de describes the album as offering "finest melodic death metal," leaning heavily into the Swedish style. The band employs a familiar array of stylistic elements: "blistering tremolo riffs, powerful grooving passages, and plenty of melodic leads." The vocals are characterized by "grating growls," and the drums provide a "rock-solid foundation." The review notes that the songwriting on Defiance is "to the point," emphasizing catchy hooks that remain present from start to finish.

According to Deaf Forever, Defiance delivers "melodic death metal that focuses on high quality from start to finish." The album is lauded for its ability to avoid boredom, even after multiple listens. It's highlighted for its dynamic approach, showcasing a balance between "straight-forward riffing, brute drumming, and well-executed melodic lines." The combination of these elements creates a powerful and engaging listening experience that resonates with fans of the genre.