Moonlit Masquerade is a new recording project led by the Nick Layton, lead guitarist of Reign of Glory, and FireWolfe. Considering that I was already keen on his riffing prowess with RoG, my interest was piqued. However, it isn’t just another Layton project to show off guitar playing. Moonlit Masquerade boasts top tier musicians like Dokken and Michael Schenker Group bassist Barry Sparks, Savatage and TSO drummer Jeff Plate, and longtime keyboard collaborator of Nick’s in Ted Gardner.
Instead of an instrumental affair, Nick worked with Limb Music to think through a dream team of vocalists to give voice to the music. Although we don’t yet know who made the cut for the full length album next year, we know of the two who made it on the “Wreckage” EP. Zak Stevens of Savatage fame sings on the title track, and Christian Liljegren of Narnia offers his voice on “Show Me The Way.”
“Wreckage” starts with a nocturnal keyboard setting that sets up for a majestic opening. There is quite a bit of theater to the song as the lyrics allude to a story, voiced by Zak’s powerful voice. There is a strong Savatage feel with its use of classical musical elements in the vocal melody in the chorus. Even more so is the vocal counterpoint in a clear nod to “Wake Of Magellan.” This leads into a good guitar solo, but my ear is drawn to Barry’s active bass work, providing high interest fills. The song moves along well, but it gets wrapped up rather abruptly with thin keyboard stabs.
“Deceiver” is a re-recording of a song from Nick’s instrumental album “Storm The Castle” and brought forward as a special bonus track for the CD release only. Organ arpeggios cascade in followed by drums stirring up a storm. The guitar entrance is a little clunky, but tightens up as it gets moving. I like how the episodes flow together and there is always an ear toward the melodic even through the impressive technical displays between the keys and the guitar. The dynamics make it engaging and pull me along until the end stops as if to say, “no more!”
“Show Me The Way” uses a Middle Eastern mode along with a strong Narnia feel to it thanks to Christian’s voice. The song is slower in tempo, but still has energy as Jeff’s drums move it forward quite well. This is the most evangelical of the songs as the lyrics, in true Narnia style, are a prayer to Jesus in the midst of difficulties. More noticeable on this song is Nick’s slight rubato playing on solos that creates a subtle drag that contrasts with the ever present push from the drums.
The songwriting is solid with great performances, but the lackluster endings stick with me. I have hope for this project as it gives solid Savatage and non-Christmas TSO vibes with the potential for a story with its theatrical setting. I’m always game for a good story. We shall see what the full length album has to offer next year. The “Wreckage” EP is only available on CD and the last two songs won’t be a part of the debut full length release, so if you want to get in on the ground floor, you’ll need to find yourself a CD.
Rating: 8/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Wreckage
2 – Deceiver
3 – Show Me The Way
Moonlit Masquerade is:
Nick Layton – lead guitars
Ted Gardner – keyboards
Barry Sparks – bass guitar
Jeff Plate – drums
Guests:
Zak Stevens – vocals on “Wreckage”
Christian Liljegren – vocals on “Show Me The Way”
Release Date: December 12, 2025
Record Label: Limb Music
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Bandcamp
