MYSTIC PLACES

This is pompous melodic-progressive Metal as it's best, by a German band. They are playing in the same vein as SAVATAGE, HELLOWEEN, QUEENSRYCHE, HAMMERFALL and DREAM THEATER. Their first album called "Why Now" (Semaphore 37978-422 CD) was released on the Semaphore label in 1995 and "Mystic Places" are AVALON's second release. "Mystic Places" are a very powerful and impressive second release. AVALON has a great sense for catchy melodies, like in "I'm Falling" (a track that my six year old son became very fond of), and they are very technically skilled musicians. Just listen to "Two Mental" and you know what I mean, the albums best track. Other tracks on this album that's worth mentioning are "Passion For Glory", "Through The Eye Of The End", "Burning Down The House" and "Blind Dance". The album are produced by Charlie Bauerfeind, known for his work with GAMMA RAY and ANGRA. The sound is very crisp and at the same time very fat.

This is a good one, but don't have the complexity of Vision Eden. The best track here is Two Mental , again a instrumental one, very smooth music. i can't say this is a masterpiece, but is good, worth listen.