MYSTIC FESTIVAL 2002 – KREATOR, SATYRICON, GAMMA RAY, NILE, SINISTER, SINERGY, FRONTSIDE
26.10.2002, Spodek, Katowice, Polska
AXENSTAR „Far From Heaven”
Another release from Arise Records. I guess that this label already had so high status, that we can be sure that each band released by them is truly proffesional and worth checking.
DARK MOOR „s/t”
This same titled CD is the frist one from this spanish band with a new line up, and what’s the most important: the new vocalist. What do we get here? 12 good power metal tracks with a small touch of progressive sounds…
VHALDEMAR „I Made My Own Hell”
Well, in the press release attached to this disc I found a sentence „100% energy, 100% heavy metal”. You know what!? I agree with that! Sadly I had no occasion to listen debut album „Fight To The End” from those Spanish guys, but if it’s something similar to „I Made My Own Hell”, then with no doubt I will have to get it! The first think which made my eyes big like 12” vinyl was the voice of Carlos…
VORTEX „Hammer Of The North”
Hell yes, Metal bats opened the gates again! Ha, those words are not here by accident: if you are fan of true 80’s heavy metal, then with no doubt you know both cult albums from Dutch Vortex: „Metal Bats” (1985) and „Open The Gate” (1986). So here it is! After rumors, after fantastic live shows Vortex is back! First full lenght studio album after 13 years (compilation CD „The Dawning” was out in 1998 and great vinyl EP „The Mill” in 2000) is out now, and what can I say…
RED WINE „Suenos Y Locura”
Three points higher for the beginning: 1) fantastic cover artwork made by J.P.Fournier (Greetings! And thanks for the EXECUTIONER tape, hehe…), who is responsible for the amazing cover artworks done for AVANTASIA, EDGUY and the mighty LONEWOLF. 2) Spanish vocal lines – I truly admire all that bands who sing in their native languages! 3) Great sound and production: album was mastered by his majesty Piet Sielck himself…
HOLY MARTYR „Hatred And Warlust”
Ha, I liked this release before listening to it, because of the sentence stated at the back cover: “Beware the Hollywood Metal! We don't support this kind of epic trend Metal!!! Death To False Defenders”. Actually I like debut release from the “Hollywood Metal Defenders” (RHAPSODY), as the “Legendary Tales” was very unique album at that time…
DARK MOOR „Between Light And Darkness”
Actually I had never been fan of DARK MOOR and that whole New Wave Of Euro Power Metal. I like few of those bands, like let's say WHITE SKULL, FREEDOM CALL, STEEL ATTACK, IRON FIRE or some HAMMERFALL tunes, but most of those bands sounds like next HELLOWEEN / STRATOVARIUS clones, and it in most cases they sound too similar to each other…