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Mystic Prophecy: Fireangel

Mystic Prophecy: Fireangel

Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.25/5.0

Massacre Records
www.mysticprophecy.net
www.myspace.com/mysticprophecy
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.31.2009

I haven't checked in with Mystic Prophecy since guitarist Gus G left the band in 2004 after their third release, Never-Ending (2004) to concentrate on his other band Firewind. Actually, Gus G is probably the single best reason I paid any attention to Mystic Prophecy in the first place. Well, that and the fact that they have always played deafening, balls-to-the-wall, heavy power metal. Since G's departure more personnel changes have occurred (a new bassist, drummer, and second guitarist) with vocalist Roberto Dimitri Liapakis being the only remaining original member. Yet, in terms of the fundamental Mystic Prophecy style, very little has changed: their latest release, Fireangel is still kickass, head banging and fist pumping heavy power metal.

Except for some lighter intros and lead vocals over guitar segues, Fireangel never lets up with its punishing attack of pummeling power metal. Thankfully, as in all good European power metal, the heaviness is tempered by a sound infusion of basic melodic metal. This is where Mystic Prophecy has always impressed and proven to be at their best. This formula shows up on 'Father Save Me,' 'To The Devil I Pray,' 'Fire Angel,' 'Revolution Evil' and the most impressive, 'Forever Betrayed.' The latter two are also the best examples of the strong lead vocals from Liapakis and vocal arrangements that permeate Fireangel.

Where Mystic Prophecy fails, as all power metal band often do, is when they drift toward the predictable and mediocre galloping style that shows no variation or complexity. Fortunately, for listeners this only happens once on the horrid 'Death Under Control.' Conversely, how it really should be done is proven on 'We Kill! You Die!,' a entertaining and formidable slice of metal that puts the beatdown on anything that Manowar has done lately.

Mystic Prophecy's Fireangel is a huge slab of punishing, yet often melodic, heavy power metal. The performance is thundering with varied and interesting arrangements that put Mystic Prophecy above your average generic power metal. Very recommended!

In Short

Mystic Prophecy's Fireangel is a huge slab of punishing, yet often melodic, heavy power metal. The performance is thundering with varied and interesting arrangements that put Mystic Prophecy above your average generic power metal.

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