Tales of Mystery & Imagination [LP]

Nocturnal Rites are something of an amazing band -- amazing in the sense that they couldn't care less that it's no longer the early '80s, and British/gothic metal is no longer remotely in vogue. Tales of Mystery and Imagination recalls the tightly riffed, classically tinged twin-guitar interplay of bands like Helloween and especially Iron Maiden, in the sci-fi/fantasy lyrics as well as the music. It's a carefully crafted effort that will appeal strongly to fans who, like Nocturnal Rites, still love this particular style of metal regardless of trends. ~ Steve Huey