NOCTURNAL RITES

"Good afternoon! This is the 'Tide or Boiling' promotion!.. Are you still listening to GAMMA RAY?.. Then allow us to introduce the brand new, stunningly effective and diverse NOCTURNAL RITES "New World Messiah"..." Indeed, let's conduct an experiment — compare GAMMA RAY's "No World Order" with the new NOCTURNAL RITES album. I think only a seasoned expert could find half a dozen differences — even the titles of both records are practically identical. The same fascination with semi-electronic gimmicks as the aforementioned Germans. The same electrified, mechanical sound. The vocal department also reveals plenty of similarities, with solid, engaging melodies pleasing the ear... However, while Kai Hansen and Co. play like gods, NOCTURNAL RITES' solos are impossible to listen to without tears. Perhaps the guitarist should be replaced?.. In all other respects, here it is — a textbook example of heavy power metal, hard-hitting and dynamic. If you're tired of symphonic excess and falsettos, look no further. The best tracks, in my opinion: Against The World, Egyptica, and The Flame Will Never Die...