On disc: Mystic Prophecy

 
 Ravenlord
 
- Philip Thelen -
 
 


 
 Best Of Prophecy Years
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Killhammer
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 

Killhammer

(Massacre Records - 2013)



 
 

 

Every other your you can expect to hear something new from German power metal outfit Mystic Prophecy. Their latest piece of work is called Killhammer and they introduce guitarist Laki Ragazas to their following.



They kick off with the title track, a riff-based track with highly melodic vocals. But you can check out the video to get an idea!












After Armies Of Hell they slow down a bit and present a mid-paced tune called To Hell And Back, a tune where singer R.D. Liapakis can show all his talent. This track is one of my favorites off Killhammer. The tune Hate Black is spiced up with Oriental sounding elements and shows that this time the quintet is offering a bit more variety. Somehow Warriors Of The Northern Sea sounds familiar, at least some parts, but the tune is fun, so I don't care. The closer is a cover version of Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train, but Mystic Prophecy managed to present this classic in their own sound. Well done.



If you liked the last albums of Mystic Prophecy you won't be disappointed by Killhammer!





 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
up 













Best Of Prophecy Years

(Massacre Records - 2013)



 
 

 

German metal outfit Mystic Prophecy started in 2001, but they have been through line-up changes like so many other bands. Since 2005 they are signed to Massacre Records and so this compilation covers their years with Massacre. They kick off with the metal hymn Ravenlord, their last studio album followed by Hollow (off the same album). You'll also find older tracks like Satanic Curses and Savage Souls.



The digital-only release is giving a view on their last 4 albums. It's 'just' the album tracks and so it's more interesting for power metal fans who don't own all Mystic Prophecy albums. It's a great way to check out Mystic Prophecy and to get an idea what to expect from their next album which they just started recording.






 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
up 













Ravenlord

(Massacre Records - 2011)



 
 

 

Ravenlord is the seventh release of Mystic Prophecy. During the releases Never Ending and especially Savage Souls, this band was very important during my teenage years. Their music was powerful with ass kicking riffs, drumming and straight unique vocal works by R.D. Liapakis. So after some line up changes, they released their new album Ravenlord in October 2011. I feel the same power as back in 2004 and before. They kick off with the title track Ravenlord which is a mid-tempo based, very catchy. After that they speed up with Die Now. It reminds me on Evil Empires from Savage Souls album (the chorus hook). One of the best tracks I think is The Eyes Of The Devil. Melodic catchy hooks with a fantastic catchy chorus. This song rocks! Cross Of Lies is a double bass based track with typical Mystic Prophecy chorus. I think that guitar sound is a bit harsher than on some albums before. When listening first time to the album I missed all the guitar solos, but this album contains less guitar solos as for example Savage Souls. On this track there is a special one. Enjoy! Hollow is another great song. Yet another cool guitar solo! Again a mid tempo based track with Wings Of Destiny. Grooves like hell. Endless Fire is again one of my faves. Pushing drums and evil guitars. That's how has to be! Last two tracks are some fast headbanging songs. Reckoning Day is a true Mystic Prophecy shot! Would like to know how it sounds live. The limited edition contains two bonus tracks: Miracle Man (Ozzy cover) and Back With The Storm. This song is a bit more aggressive as usual, but nice, too.

All in all I like this album. I think it is useful to listen more times to it. But after that it sounds really great.



Songs I recommend:

Ravenlord, The Eyes Of The Devil, Endless Fire, Reckoning Day, Back With The Storm






 
 










Philip Thelen


  
up 





 
           ©2008-2014 by Claudia Ehrhardt • E-Mail: contact@ice-vajal.com