Hard rock and heavy metal powerhouse Nerve Star officially released their comprehensive new album ‘White Hot’ on February 27. The record serves as a high energy fusion of seventies hard rock, NWOBHM, and eighties metal influences. This project features the solidified lineup of Joss Thorley on bass, Chris Billinghurst and Janne Stark on dual lead guitars, Matt Oakman on vocals, and Peter Svensson on drums. The album spans thirteen tracks on digital and CD formats with a curated eight track selection available on vinyl via RSK Entertainment and Proper Distribution.
The recording process for ‘White Hot’ involved international collaboration across studios in Sweden and Raw Studios in England. Janne Stark brought decades of production experience to the sessions to ensure a sonic profile reminiscent of the dual lead guitar harmonies found in Thin Lizzy. A major highlight arrives with the final track “Richard III” which features a guest appearance by legendary Budgie riff master Tony Bourge. This closing anthem showcases all three lead guitarists and connects the band to the historic lineage of Welsh rock and heavy metal.
Every track on this release delivers unrelenting riffs and thumping bass lines designed for maximum volume. The band successfully transitioned from home demos in 2021 to a fully realized studio production through years of meticulous tracking. The addition of Matt Oakman in 2023 provided the vocal power necessary to elevate the arrangements into a professional league. This record stands as a definitive document of the group’s technical ability and dedication to the classic rock aesthetic.
The arrival of the album precedes a schedule of upcoming UK gigs and European festival appearances set for later this year. The band honed these thirteen compositions through multiple sessions to ensure every drum fill and guitar solo hits with precise impact. This collection of music reinforces the enduring relevance of loud guitars and big drums in the modern era. The collaborative spirit between the UK and Swedish members results in a cohesive and explosive listening experience.