MYSTIC PROPHECY – Never-Ending (re-release)
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 06-08-2017
The third studio album from Mystic Prophecy would be the last one to feature Gus G on guitar – as he would decide to pare down his band activities to focus more on Firewind. "Never Ending" showcases the German/Greek unit in fine form, displaying a carefully crafted mix of heavy/power metal with occasional thrash flashes. Crunchy rhythms, steady double bass, and mid-range to upper register melodies that live in that Judas Priest/Accept meets late 80’s Bay Area thrash arena are what you’ll hear with strong material like "Burning Bridges" and "Wings of Eternity".
Remastered and remixed by vocalist R.D. Liapakis at his own studio Prophecy in Germany, the 11 original songs sound brighter than their 2004 incarnation – and you receive two bonus cuts in "War in the Sky" that originally would appear as a Japanese bonus track as well as "The King Is Back"- only appearing previously on the "Dark Forces" single. Both are proper, guitar-driven affairs with the up-tempo drumming and stellar melodies you’ve come to know and love from these gentlemen.
If you’ve been late to the Mystic Prophecy party, "Never-Ending" is as good a place as any to go back and start. Especially for those who are into a more aggressive form of power/heavy metal with finesse and strength.