Hard Rock Warrior: An Interview with Nighthawk’s Robert Majd

Hard Rock Warrior: An Interview with Nighthawk’s Robert Majd
By Justin Smulison

Robert Majd is one of my most admired musicians, as Swedish guitarist/bassist is the
creative force behind two Captain Black Beard and Nighthawk, two excellent rock
groups with distinct sounds. While Captain Black Beard leans a bit toward 1980s AOR
with some edgy synth and new wave, Nighthawk is straight-ahead melodic rock and roll.
Their newest album, Six Three O, was released Aug 1 by Mighty Music / Target Group,
and continues the tradition of concise rock songs with catchy hooks and choruses,
featuring 10 originals (plus one Rainbow cover) that delve into the challenges and
triumphs of love and relationships, while also displaying a bit of swagger and attitude.

I was stoked even more for Six Three O because it marked the return of lead vocalist
Bjorn Strid (Soilwork, Night Flight Orchestra), whose last appearance was on 2023’s
Prowler. As the singer of Nighthawk and NFO, Strid is my favorite rock vocalist and his
work on Six Three O enables the group to pick up right where Prowler left off.

Robert and I talk about Nighthawk’s lineup shuffles and what it was like to record Six Three O at
the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales – the birthplace of classics by Queen and Oasis – the
undeniable groove of singles like “Too Good To You,” and the upcoming album release show in
Sweden.

We also talk about what Robert has in store for the next year. He’s also the bassist for
Metalite, which has been touring the EU in support of 2024’s Expedition One. And as if
that was not enough, we also talk about Weapon, the classic metal band fronted by
Danny Hynes. Robert produces and writes for Weapon and teases the follow-up to
2023’s New Clear Power.
AND we stroll down memory lane to the time Hynes, Majd, Mrs. Smulison and I dined in
NYC in December 2023.

Song clips: “Hard Rock Warrior,” “Too Good To You,” “I Am The Night.”

Nighthawk live:
30.08 – Encore, Sumpan (Sweden)
Web / Social:
Facebook.com/nighthawkrocknroll

Spotify
Physical album:

Nighthawk – Six Three O

Bandcamp:
https://nighthawksweden.bandcamp.com/album/prowler
Stream Six Three O at Mighty Music’s YouTube:

Metalite:
www.Metalite.se
Captain Black Beard
https://captainblackbeard.net
Mighty Music
www.mightymusic.dk