BlackStars – BlackStars

There is limited information regarding the Italian supergroup BlackStars, so in the following I will make a little introduction to the band. BlackStars is the Italian supergroup, founded in Milan (Lombardy) in 2022. Band’s line-up is comprised with some of the heavy metal and hard rock scene veterans – including guitarist Max Adams and vocalist Tony Pecere. Apart from Max Adams (former Love Machine guitarist) and Tony Pecere (ex-Crimson Dawn and ex-Betoken vocalist), the band features; guitarist and keyboardist Alberto Wolfie Presotto (ex-Opera Noire and ex-Sakem), bassist Walter Soresina (ex-Crossbones and ex-Fuckin’ Jam), and Folkert Beukers (ex-Adam Bomb and ex-Chris Holmes) on drums.

Underground Symphony released a debut self-titled CD-EP from BlackStars. EP has been available since November 2025, in an elegant CD digipack format and on all major digital platforms. The 7-track BlackStars EP is a direct homage to classic American and melodic metal, heavily influenced by the bands that were popular during the golden era of this type of music in the ’80s and ’90s. The EP delivers dueling guitar lines, powerful, gritty & soaring vocals, incisive riffs, melodic hooks, steady & punchy basslines, heavy & dynamic drumming and some face-melting solos. Already after the initial spin of BlackStars it became clear to me that the band often prioritizes a headbanging groove over technical complexity. Lyrically, BlackStars focus on classic rock tropes like freedom, heartbreak, the open road, and late-night debauchery, delivered with swagger and conviction.

BlackStars EP starts with the opening track and lead single, “Dead Shots” (watch official video below), a high-octane, punchy introduction that immediately showcases the band’s focus on powerful, direct hard rock. The following song is called “Hot Blood” – the song leans heavily into fast-paced, visceral energy. It heavily utilizes traditional 80s sunset-strip style hooks, driven by sharp guitar work and a soaring vocals. “Nothing Is Lost Forever” is the title for a mid-album melodic anchor. It blends more prominent keyboard arrangements alongside massive, anthemic choruses. “Saints And Sinners” on the other hand is a core heavy metal track, a darker and heavier piece that bridges classic American hard rock with traditional European heavy metal. On the other hand, “Love ‘n’ Affection” is a mandatory power ballad/melodic anthem, a song dedicated to love, romance and nostalgia. “Welcome To The Show” returns to a more high-energy arena anthem – a theatrical and self-referential track. “I Can’t Live Without You” is the EP closer; balancing a raw rock energy with a highly memorable hook, bringing the release to a definitive and triumphant end.

BlackStars is avoiding modern production over-processing in favor of a high-energy, raw, analog-inspired and a guitar-driven energy. The distinctive cover artwork were created by Jahn Vision Art, specifically tailored to match the band’s powerful, visceral, ’80s and ’90s-inspired hard rock sound. Recommended for fans of the heavy metal/hard rock genre, and bands like White Widdow, Wildestarr, Mötley Crüe, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Ratt etc.

Meanwhile you can listen to their tracks directly on the Spotify Artist Profile or read deeper about BlackStars on Underground Symphony’s page here.