SHIPWRECKED WITH THE WICKED

"Shipwrecked with the Wicked" is the debut full-length studio album by US power metal act Mystic Force. The album was released through Siegen Records in 1990. "Shipwrecked with the Wicked" is a bit of an odd release really, as it´s more of a compilation than an actual full-length studio release. There are 7 tracks on the album and 4 of those tracks are also featured on the "Take Command (1989)" EP in the exact same versions. Then there are two new studio recordings in the title track and "Eternal Quest" and to close the album the track "Who Really Gives A...", which features a rehearsal room lo-fi sound quality and which probably should be regarded as a "fun track".

So if you already have the "Take Command (1989)" EP or the "Take Command - The Demo Years (1990)" compilation, where the tracks from the EP are also featured, "Shipwrecked with the Wicked" offers little new of real value.

There´s absolutely nothing wrong with the quality of the music though (besides the not so professional sound production on "Who Really Gives A..."). We´re talking very well played US power metal with an occasional semi-progressive edge. Not too far removed from early Queensrÿche, Fates Warning or Crimson Glory. High pitched vocals, blistering lead guitar work, edgy riffing and a powerful tight rythm section. The odd nature of the album, with tracks from three different sessions, isn´t great for the consistency of the album though and at 34:43 minutes, "Shipwrecked with the Wicked" isn´t the longest album either, but overall it´s still a pretty great release deserving a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating.