MYSTIC PROPHECY - review added 23rd November 2011
Album Review: Ravenlord (2011)
For fans of: Heavy Metal
Mystic Prophecy released their last album "Fireangel" in 2009. I was a big fan of the sound and performances, though it could have done with a couple more huge songs. "Ravenlord", the bands 7th album, answers that criticism in a big way.
Vocalist R.D. Liapakis has gone from strength to strength, still with a Bruce Dickinson edge but arguably now a more complete metal vocalist than even the great man. The guitars are more technical and brutal than two years ago. Constantine released an instrumental album in that time, so I suspect some of his twiddling wormed its way back into his main band. It's new drummer Tyronne Silva, matched serenely with the bassist Connie Andreszka, that lifts this album's sound up into the realms of spy planes and weather balloons though. Never underestimate the addition of a badass rhythm section.
Song wise, where to start? The title track is catchy as hell. 'Die Now!!' is catchy too, but with an added element of nuclear tank battle. And so it goes on. The only track I'm unsure about is the Ozzy cover 'Miracle Man'. It's not that MP do a bad job of it, but in some ways it's out of place amongst the rest of the LP.
In Summation:
Wow. "Ravenlord" is a monster of a metal album. It chews "Fireangel" into little tiny pieces. It chews most metal albums into little tiny pieces. If the next one is better again I may end up with a sticky keyboard. Buy this now!
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Ravenlord
02. Die Now!!
03. Eyes Of The Devil
04. Damned Tonight
05. Hollow
06. Wings Of Destiny
07. Endless Fire
08. Cross Of Lies
09. Reckoning Day
10. Miracle Man
11. Back With The Storm
Band/Performers:
R.D. Liapakis – Vocals
Markus Pohl – guitars
Constantine – guitars
Connie Andreszka – bass
Tyronne Silva – drums
Other Info:
Label: Massacre Records
Artist's website(s): Mystic Prophecy | MySpace | Facebook
