War Brigade

Some bands are really exciting. They modify or change their style constantly and you never know what you get when buying their new output. Sometimes this concept works, but I must say that groups like Ketzer or Tribulation committed musical suicide while following the strange dogma of never ending change. Mystic Prophecy do not join the ranks of the formations that are always driven by a desire for change. Quite the opposite, they are representatives of the conservative protagonists that preach the "more of the same" ideology. This might be less exciting and sometimes this principle stinks. However, it lends the dudes authenticity and it makes them to reliable partners of their followers - and I like reliability in any kind of relationship. Please be aware that any kind of unexpected trouble endangers my health!

Conservative - this term also describes their style very well. Mystic Prophecy play generic heavy metal, the lyrics are filled to the brim with stereotypes and the song patterns pray to the verse-chorus-verse Gods. The endless repetition can raise the question whether one should buy more than one album of the band. Well, the answer is simple. Each and every album of the band holds a certain number of good songs. This does not rule out a slightly lame start. "Follow the Blind" and "Metal Brigade" fail to deliver the necessary degree of aggression. But the generally speaking, the experienced group is able to combine the main pillars of classic heavy metal, power and melodies, in a clever manner. "The Crucifix" shows the skills of Mystic Prophecy impressively. The guitars create a very good flow, the rather gentle verses lead smoothly to the catchy chorus. The lyrics are nonsensical ("six six six crucifix"), but this kind of poetry has an almost folkloric touch. Mystic Prophecy are not able or not willing to write other lyrics and at the end of the day, it does not matter at all.

Of greater importance is the fact that songs like "Pray to Hell" or "Good Day to Die" demonstrate the force of typical heavy metal. The formula stays the same: the songs are easily accessible, the chorus is put in the focus and melodic lines are well embedded into a heavily rocking framework. The voluminous voice of the lead singer does not lack charisma and therefore Mystic Prophecy do not need to shy away from comparison with their competitors. Okay, their emotional sections are always going wrong (the beginning of the sixth track is terrible) and it is beyond my imagination that the dudes will ever release a 90+X % album. Nevertheless, they manage their main tasks skilfully while offering very robust, crusty headbangers such as "The Devil Is Back" - and they know how their music must sound. As a consequence, the production is once again a strong argument for the purchase of this output. On the one hand, it lends the music a powerful, clean and well defined appearance, on the other hand, it makes clear that the band has a professional attitude and knows what its fans want to hear. Okay, I miss a new "Evil Empires", the thrashing highlight of their discography, but this is probably my personal problem. In a nutshell, I still buy the outputs of Mystic Prophecy, but I have turned my back on many chameleonic formations. Spiritual metal brothers stand united, regardless of the fact that all that glitters is not gold.

Reviewing a Mystic Prophecy album is almost completely futile. It's never going to sway the opinions of those who already like/dislike the band. However, if some hapless reader comes across this review having never previously listened to the German's music, but were drawn in by their, frankly awesome, moniker - then let me tell you exactly what you should prepare for...

A Mystic Prophecy album = simple structures, powerful vocals, massive riffs, hammering drums, blazing solos, lyrics about war/killing/death/demons/hell... Basically, a Mystic Prophecy album = metal as fuck.

The quintet hasn't changed their formula since "Vengeance" hit the shelves in 2001. You want solid, reliable, riff-charged heavy metal full of attitude and balls? New album "War Brigade" is gonna tick all the boxes, just as "Killhammer", "Ravenlord" and "Fireangel" did before it. My only qualm is that they didn't combine the album title to make a super-cool make-believe word like "Wargade". Actually, I'm glad they didn't. But the suitably OTT album art is utterly splendid, and totally appropriate to this band's ethos.

The production is rock-solid and crystal clear. The guitar tone, thankfully, is meaty and exhibits those metallic riffs perfectly. R.D Liapakis's vocals soar over head, full of conviction - but his growls are also becoming more impressive as the years go on. "Pray For Hell" and "Burning Out" see him producing some damn fine roars - but more on those tracks later! Sure, the bass isn't entirely intriguing - it's only there to enhance the heaviness, and that's a good enough reason for me! Tristan Maiwurm's performance behind the kit is admirable - keeping things simple and precise, driving the metal along nicely.

I admit, there's a minority of fodder on this album. "10,000 Miles Away" is a semi-ballad type affair that Mystic Prophecy should never attempt. It's not that Liapakis's voice is weak, or the melodies are irritating - it just gets totally shrouded by the maelstrom of pure fucking metal around it. Also, "Metal Brigade" wasn't the best choice of track to release as the album's promotional video. It's competent enough with its march-like - but doesn't ignite anything the way the more fiery songs do.

The real highlights of "War Brigade" are where the tempo is pushed to the brink, vocals are edged to the extreme, and the listener's head is forced to bang as hard as is humanly possible. "Pray For Hell" is a real slammer, featuring brutal riffage and impressive triplets on the double-kick. "Burning Out" is probably my favourite track of 2016 so far. The riffs are vicious, Liapakis is as aggressive as he ever has been - and the pace is utterly relentless. This song will leave you breathless and satisfyingly exhausted. Thankfully, the band haven't parted with their chugginess! Plenty of tracks like "The Devil is Back" and "War Panzer" feature those moments where the texture is stripped back to reveal a simple palm-muted rhythm - delightful to nod along to!

If you're looking for solid, reliable heavy metal straight from the gut - Mystic Prophecy should always be where you run to. "War Brigade" is nothing special, nothing new, nothing innovative. But who gives a shit? You should know what you're in for when you simply glance at their logo and artwork. I say bring me more war, death, hell, devils and dying! Oh...and Spartans?

"It's a good day to die!!!
We rise from the ashes
Like thunder in the sky.
Fighting for Freedom,
it's a good day to die!!!