Mystic Prophecy - Fireangel (2009) [Japanese 1st Press, POCE-16055]

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Mystic Prophecy - Fireangel (2009) [Japanese 1st Press, POCE-16055]

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Mystic Prophecy is not an ordinary metal act. Operating from both Germany and Greece it is an international act. For those of you that are still unfamiliar with the band; MP produces heavy power with a lot of thrash elements. After guitar hero Gus G left the band their albums became even better in my view. Each single album has showed the progression the band has made, every album is certainly worth listening to. The previous album, ‘Satanic Curses’ was a real bombshell, stuffed with clear vocals, grunts, double bass drums, pounding rhythms, thrash elements and a lot of epic melodies. Let us see what this new album, ‘Fireangel’ has to offer.

‘Fireangel’ is the sixth full-length album by these Moussaka and Schnitzel eating maniacs. I could end this review right here with the announcement that MP does exactly the same as on the previous
album. Until now, on every album progression was clearly present and to be honest, I think this album lacks this progression. The music on this album is not heavier, harder, more sophisticated, more melodic or better than on the previous album. The main criticism, however, is that the music is not even slightly less interesting than before. Three members of the band however had to quit due to personal matters. This has not affected the sound of the band in any way.

This album is, again, stuffed with pounding, very heavy power metal songs that will never leave your mind. Grunts, clear vocals, thrash riffs, speed and of course the epic choruses are all present again and create that unique sound. Unique? Yes, unique. I think no other power metal act knows how to combine aggression, melody, brutality and emotions like MP does. The very good sound of the album (produced by band leader Liapakis himself!) is of course very important in achieving such a sound. But the vocals of mister Liapakis are really determining the sound. His voice, basically, isn’t really that special, but his voice adds substantially to the music. He completes the songs with emotional, clear and sometimes aggressive vocals in a way it makes me shiver. Next to that there are of course the pounding killer riffs and this great wall of sound. Sometimes this album really pounds on like a thrash bomber. Starting thrashmetal bands can see MP as an example I think. So I am very impressed, whereas I have to admit the songs on the last three albums start to sound alike by now. But still the band knows how to add emotion and a combination of other elements in such a manner that the songs all stay interesting. This album never gets boring. That is partly achieved by the variation that is offered, despite the almost constant high pace. For guitar freaks there is a lot to enjoy as well because of the many guitar solos.

Right after the first time I checked this album I was a little disappointed because of the lack of renewals. But after several other times I again was knocked over by the massive sound and emotional music. I have to conclude that ‘Fireangel’ has become another power metal bombshell, despite the lack of progression compared to the previous album. This is recommended for people who like their power metal hard and heavy like the power metal from Symphorce and Brainstorm.

~ www.lordsofmetal.nl