Hellriot

Bavarian power metallers Mystic Prophecy released their first album over 23 years ago. This year, the guys are completing the dozen and, thank goodness, are still not thinking about quitting, even though the gap to the previous album is almost four years. I would speculate that the guys have simply made creative use of the forced break caused by the pandemic.

The majority of the current mystical prophecies are made up of tried-and-tested mid-tempo stompers. I'd like to highlight the ingenious Paranoia, for example, which repeatedly had me shaking my fists at the ceiling in the lonely chamber. The aforementioned song is followed by Revenge And Fire, one of the brisker headbangers that have always been able to spice up a set by the likeable southern Germans. I am convinced that this number will play a tasty role in future live programs.

What particularly strikes me is the fact that Mystic Prophecy have dispensed with ballad-like numbers this time. Perhaps they have realized that the blessing does not lie in the mainstream audience. The songs are a tiny bit more complex than the band's previous works and the large-scale lack of catchy sing-along lyrics makes me wonder at first. However, you should give the record more than just one listen, because some of the tracks get stuck in your head the second time you hear them and Hellriot quickly turn out to be a fantastic grower. And last but not least, Liapakis' distinctive grating voice once again develops into a striking recognition feature of the Prophets.

Of course, Mystic Prophecy have not reinvented German heavy metal and have not added an absolute masterpiece to their own history. In the world of sports, however, one would say that the band has made a clean sweep of the league. Hellriot is available in all formats. But what's the overkill with 10 different vinyl colors about, I barely can't guess.

Recommended tracks: Paranoia, Revenge And Fire und Road To Babylon

The Bavarian thrash/power stalwart Mystic Prophecy has been going strong for over twenty years now, and they show no signs of stopping, as Hellriot clearly proves. They are consistent for sure, and, as I always insist, that is a virtue. I'm probably more partial about the thrashier side of power metal, so the line between consistency and repetition blurs when judging bands that fit the tag. Yet with every fucking riff these Germans throw at you, you know they are screaming at you to bang your head. That's all I've ever needed. That's what metal had first meant to me.

Interestingly enough, Mystic Prophecy seems to have completely done away with their 5-min songs and, in Hellriot's case, their radio-friendly rock ballads. Truly Hellriot has one purpose and one purpose only with its existence -- deliver the most Mystic Prophecy album. The meaty riffs, the song titles that get repeated at least thrice in each song, the never-aging raspy voice of Lia, the almost AI-generated rants about ''hell'', ''burn'', ''devil'', yada yada, Hanno Kerstan pounding onwards relentlessly... it's the same business with either speedy numbers like the Rising with the Storm or heavy-as-hell tracks like World on Fire. Their mixture of aggression and melody ever perfect; it shows especially on Road to Babylon. And Lia even went for some harsh vocals on Azrael, invoking that nostalgia from Satanic Curses. Indeed, Hellriot is hardy and it hits hard, never even stopping one moment in its thrash power gusto to go for some atmospheric moments like Mystic Prophecy did on Here Comes the Winter. Needless to say it's a good thing they'd kept the album's length to 40 minutes. Any longer the monotony would catch up with the listener and drag its reputation down that hellhole Sabaton went. As a result, Mystic Prophecy managed to make Hellriot a satisfying play of prime thrash power. Oh, and need I mention that solo of World on Fire is truly on fire?

Well, Mystic Prophecy is without doubt one of the most reliable bands in the genre. They've never strayed (Monuments Uncovered don't count!) and on occasions I feel they are recycling riffs. I mean, are you sure Demons of the Night wasn't something off War Brigade? But nevermind, I don't care. Mystic Prophecy is no food for thought. It's here to blow your face clean off and snap your neck. It's the way they work and it's the only thing I ask for. They've done it magnificently on Hellriot, again.

Highlights:
Hellriot
Demons of the Night
Rising with the Storm
Road to Babylon
Azrael
World on Fire

Originally written for MetalBite