MYSTERIZER
"The Holy War 1095"
(Rockshots Records; 2021)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"The Holy War 1095" is a power metal album with every single possible power metal clichés crammed into it. Lyrically, it's about what appears to be the First Crusade, complete with its power struggles, epic battles, etcetera. Musically it's got sweeping landscapes, epic vocals, fiery guitar solos, and the usual collection of instruments you don't normally find in heavy metal. It's got driving rhythms, it's got slower, introspective tunes. It feels like a power metal album.
Which is a good thing, if you're a fan of power metal. If you are, there's virtually nothing you won't like on "The Holy War 1095." I'm a fan of power metal and I liked "The Holy War 1095" just fine. There's nothing new or original here but, obviously, that wasn't the point. The point was to deliver a power metal album and that's what we've got. Unfortunately, for me, at least ... it's just so generic. Again, "The Holy War 1095" isn't bad at all; it's just ... I don't know ... more of the same?
Again, that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you're looking for fifty minutes of typical power metal, this album is for you. I was just hoping for a little more. And i was also a bit put off by the vocals, which are awesome at times, but stray off into strained high pitches sometimes that took me out of the music.
Regardless, as I mentioned above, if power metal is your groove, you can certainly do worse than Mysterizer's "The Holy War 1095."
For more information, check out http://www.mysterizer.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
