MYSTIC PROPHECY - FIREANGEL

\r\nMystic Prophecy is a German based power metal band, featuring two Greek musicians (Dimitris Liapakis and Constantine). "Fireangel" is their sixth official release, since "Vengeance" (band’s debut in 2001) and the first with the current line up. At this point I would like to mention the participation of the famous Gus G.(Dream Evil,Firewind), in Mystic Prophecy’s early releases, until "Never Ending" in 2004 and Dimitris previous group "Valley’s Eve", a prog metal band of the early 90’s. \r\n

\r\n

\r\nAs soon as I got their cd in my hands I thought: "Well, another German Power Metal Band. Nothing more to expect than typical, fast, without inspiration Euro-Power songs, like the meaningless ones that have been released the last ten years!!". I assure you that, by the time "Across The Gates Of Hell" entered, I had completely changed my mind! What a song and it was just the introduction of what was about to come. A cd fulfilled with powerful songs, a heavy and extremely solid sound and compositions inspired enough to attract you, especially nowadays that good releases tend to disappear. What more to expect! Nothing?? Wrong answer again!! The correct answer is a great vocalist with a voice that stands out of the Euro-Power high pitched stuff (not that he lacks of it)! Melodic at times, angry or screaming, he manages to gain the respect and I believe that this is his most mature performance, so far. To talk about highlights is a bit tricky because, "Fireangel" can be listened at its entirety very easily but I would stand to my personal favourites which are: "Demons Crown" (an full-of-anger track with a catchy chorus), "We Kill!! You Die!!" (a furious song straight for live performance and loads of headbangin’ and singin’ along), "To The Devil I Pray" (a groovy one with great vocal lines), "Fireangel" (with an Iced Earth-ish, during their best early days, mood) and "Revolution Evil" (with the staccato riffs to follow, its acoustic intro, while the vocals are once more dominating).\r\n

\r\n

\r\nTo sum things up, "Fireangel" was a more than a pleasant surprise to my ears! It could described, as an Us power metal release (Iced Earth is the first name that comes to mind, when it comes to guitars), with melodies that has references to European power metal. In my opinion, fans of both genres will appreciate it and it will "torture" their cd player and ears for a long period of time!\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\nJohny "L.O.V.E. Machine" Litinakis \r\n

\r\n