Mystfall – Celestial Vision

All the people I know who have taken holidays in Greece are unanimous in their love for the country. Unfortunately, I have never been, but I do know that there are a host of incredible Greek bands. Having reviewed some great albums by a few of them, my interest was piqued by a new name on the scene.

Introducing themselves to the metal world, Mystfall from Athens make a strong entrance with their debut album “Celestial Vision.” Their record label Scarlet Records have given them the epithet of ‘Sleek Celestial Symphonic Metal.’ To that you need to add a mix of influences including Celtic and Classical.

Although this first offering is not strictly speaking a concept album, the lyrics do have a concept running through them. Philosophical in nature they seek to answer the age-old question regarding the meaning of life. The slightly mystical gothic feel to this release is further enhanced by the beautiful cover artwork courtesy of Sevi Spanou.

The full majesty of the band only really comes to bear in the title track ‘Celestial Vision.’ First there is a short orchestral instrumental called ‘Resisting Heaven’ which nevertheless gives you a taste of what is to come. After this intro they add operatic to the mix by way of soprano vocalist Marialena Trikoglou. This may bring early Nightwish to mind, and you would not be far off, maybe add a splash of Fleshgod Apocalypse.

The first video to be released before the album is for the title track. It showcases the full talent at their disposal, glass shattering high notes, low growls (from Kostas Mexis), orchestrations, and choirs, all to a tight metal background.

Mystfall – Celestial Vision (click here if the video does not play)

The pace and style continue for the next two tracks ‘Centuries’ and ‘Endless.’ The strong structure of the compositions throughout keeps the album fresh and dynamic. With the right backing I am sure this band will become a recognised name on the circuit.

Mystfall – Centuries (click here if the video does not play)

Dropping down a couple of gears, ‘Silence’ starts off in a gentler style with Marialena and keyboards from Dida Racotoarison prominent. The pace stays the same even when the intensity swells. For me, this is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. Then it is back to the more bombastic, faster stuff with ‘Kings of Utopia’ bringing all the aspects of the band together once more.

Mystfall – Kings of Utopia (click here if the video does not play)

Powerful, dramatic bass and drums from Antonis Desousis and Manos Agouridis drive the core of ‘Moral Compass’. A breakdown with spoken word slows things down momentarily before returning to the soaring vocals of Marialena.

Photo Credit – Peter Papapetros

At just under 7 minutes long, ‘The Balance of Time’ is the longest track on the album. Another gentle opening passage makes way for a grandiose driving riff. From here it moves between several changes keeping things very pleasurable, including an impressive guitar solo from Panagiotis Leontaritis. The album closes as it started with ‘Freedom Path,’ and powerful, orchestral symphonic metal at its best.

Photo Credit – Peter Papapetros

This is an exciting set of musicians, they look good, sound good and write well. The fantastic cover artwork is the icing on the cake for this release. The band are another jewel in the crown for Scarlet Records and go on my ever-growing list of acts to watch out for. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from them.

Track-list:

1. Resisting Heaven
2. Celestial Vision
3. Centuries
4. Endless
5. Silence
6. Kings of Utopia
7. Moral Compass
8. The Balance of Time
9. Freedom Path