Mystic Prophecy Revisited
07/31/2009
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(MMP) Mystic Prophecy is present on the power metal scene since 2000 and in just nine years they earned the title of one of the most talented bands in the genre's history. The group was formed in 2000 in Germany, when four musicians - vocalist Roberto Dimitri Liapakis (Valley's Eye), bassist Martin Albrecht (Valley's Eye, ex-Stormwitch), drummer Dennis Ekdahl (Raise Hell, In Cold Blood) and guitarist Gus G. (Firewind, Nightrage, Dream Evil, Arch Enemy) � decided to join forces in a new power metal project which they named Mystic Prophecy. While power metal was no longer as popular as it was in the 80's or even the 90's, the band decided to stay true to their concept and write material that easily combined both classic and modern schools of metal�
These exclusive re-releases of the group's first three albums � "Vengeance", "Regressus" and "Never Ending" showcase the amazing skills of the band that put power metal back on the musical pedestal�
"Vengeance" The band's debut offering was released on August 24th, 2001, by a small record label called B. Mind Records. The album's content was surprisingly heavy and nowhere near the light guitar riff-based direction that was so popular among many other modern power metal bands. Mystic Prophecy delivered a good old solid metal blast, complete with shredding guitars, phenomenal solos and intense drumming. However, the band's most significant feature was the voice of Roberto Dimitri Liapakis. His vocals were far from the typical, high-pitched power metal singing, leaning towards a deeper, more powerful sound. Thanks to breaking most of the stereotypes considering power metal vocalists, Mystic Prophecy managed to introduce a fresh new sound for the bit stale genre. The album featured a handful of thrash-influenced tracks, such as "Sky's Burning", "When Shadows Fall" and "River of Hate", as well as some more melodic efforts like "In The Mirror" and "Damnation and Darkness". Overall, "Vengeance" was a massive success for the band, spawning a great number of positive reviews in the press.
"Regressus" The group's second album, was released on June 16th, 2003, this time by Nuclear Blast Records. Once again Mystic Prophecy managed to deliver music that defines the best qualities of power metal. The magnificent 12-track collection truly captured the essence of the genre. Some of the highlights from "Regressus" featured the galloping, Iron Maiden-like tune "Calling From Hell", the epic "Sign of the Cross", the instrumental miniature "The Traveller" and the energetic "Forgotten Soul", at times reminiscent of� Machine Head! With their second album Mystic Prophecy proved that they're one of the most talented modern power metal acts ever to emerge on the European scene. Re-release includes 2 bonus tracks!
"Never Ending" Mystic Prophecy's third LP hit the stores on October 25th, 2004. "Never Ending" was a brilliant continuation of the ideas found on the two previous albums, and in the same time it concluded the story of the revenge-seeking Monk, whose motives were explained in some of the lyrics on "Vengeance" and "Regressus". Musically, the album ventured even further into thrash and heavy metal influences, offering an impressive variety of styles. "Never Ending" featured some very fast and heavy tunes ("Burning Bridges", "In Hell", Wings of Eternity"), but also more melodic attempts ("Under a Darkened Sun", "When I'm Falling"). Undoubtedly one of the most memorable tracks on Mystic Prophecy's third offering was the beautiful power ballad "Never Surrender". Re-release includes a bonus track!
Mystic Prophecy's re-issues will be available in new digipak editions, each limited to 2000 copies. The material was digitally remastered using 24-Bit process. Metal Mind Productions set the release date for 24th August in Europe and 6th October in USA (via MVD).
"Vengeance" (remastered)
1. 1545 � The Beginning
2. Sky's Burning
3. Damnation And Darkness
4. Welcome (In The Damned Circle)
5. Dark Side Of The Moon
6. River Of Hate
7. In The Mirror
8. In The Distance
9. When Shadows Fall
10. Fallen Angel
"Regressus" (remastered + bonus tracks)
1. Calling From Hell
2. Eternal Flame
3. Lords Of Pain
4. Sign Of The Cross
5. Night Of The Storm
6. The Traveller (Instrumental)
7. In Your Sins
8. Forgotten Soul
9. When Demons Return
10. Regressus / Lost In Time
11. Mystic Prophecy
12. The Land Of The Dead
Bonus Tracks:
13. Fighting The World
14. Sanctuary
"Never Ending" (remastered + bonus tracks)
1. Burning Bridges
2. Time Will Tell
3. Under A Darkened Sun
4. Dust Of Evil
5. In Hell
6. Never Surrender
7. Wings Of Eternity
8. When I'm Falling
9. Warriors Of Lies
10. Dead Moon Rising
11. Never-Ending
Bonus track:
12. War In The Sky
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