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MYSTIC PROPHECY
War Brigade
2016 Massacre Records

German power metal band MYSTIC PROPHECY are set to release their ninth studio album, War Brigade, on May 6th through Massacre Records. The band has worked at a steady pace over the years, having released their nine albums within a 14-year period. MYSTIC PROPHECY have returned with the same lineup as on 2013’s Killhammer: R.D. Liapakis (vocals), Laki Ragazas (Lead Guitar), Markus Pohl (Guitar), Tristan Maiwurm (Drums), except for new bassist Joey Roxx. She makes her debut with the band on War Brigade with much success, providing a heavy backbone to every song.

MYSTIC PROPHECY play energetic power/thrash metal. War Brigade is filled with in-your-face anthems and fist pumping tunes. This band never lets you down, and War Brigade proves it. It is one of MYSTIC PROPHECY’s strongest albums.

“Follow The Blind” is a great lead-off track, featuring a pulsing riff and a shout-along chorus. “Metal Brigade” follows, a mid-tempo track the band shot a video for earlier this year. “Burning Out” is one of the faster songs on the album, featuring blast beats and a death growl intro from Liapakis. The band also shot a killer video for “The Crucifix”, one of the strongest songs on the album, which features a blistering solo from Ragazas. This track should go over well in a live setting. “Pray For Hell” is a decent track. Things slow down on the heavy ballad “10,000 Miles Away”, which is well done.

There are two tracks inspired by Spartan warriors: “Good Day To Die” and “Fight For One Nation”. Both are fantastic songs and should prove to be fan favorites. “The Devil Is Back” is another enjoyable up-tempo track that will undoubtedly be a live staple. “War Panzer” features one of my favorite riffs from Markus Pohl and solo from Ragazas on the album. “War Of Lies” is a solid mid-tempo track. The digipak contains a bonus track cover of TOM JONES’ “Sex Bomb”. Novelty for sure, but the band owns it.

War Brigade is another winner from MYSTIC PROPHECY. Plenty of double bass drumming from Maiwurm and blistering solos from Ragazas throughout the album will keep you engaged. Ultimately, singer R.D. Liapakis is the focus of these songs, as he should be. The mix, by Fredrik Nordstrom (DREAM EVIL, SABATON, ARCH ENEMY) is excellent and the album sounds fantastic. The 12 songs are all within the 3-4 minute range, with a total time of 49 minutes. The cover art by Uwe Jarling is amazing. War Brigade is also available as a limited edition box set and gatefold vinyl LP. If you like your power metal on the heavier side, you should be listening to this band. Honestly, they have never sounded better.

4.7 Out Of 5.0

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