Being true to one's self for decades isn't trivial, it is a gift, an inner passion that never leaves, the ongoing energies to rise up every day and prove that it is possible to keep the same degree. This is the story of bands like the German / Greek Heavy / Power Metal band MYSTIC PROPHECY. Being adamant actually pays off. With the band's second decade coming to a close, and with their latest album still pounding, their label, Massacre Records, has been celebrating with the reissues of their first releases. "Regressus", originally issued by Nuclear Blast Records, is their sophomore. Rest assured that it only enhanced the efforts of the debut.

"Regressus", still featuring guitarist wizard Gus. G, which slowly became an icon also due to his activities with DREAM EVIL and FIREWIND, is the imagery of the essence of Metal music at its truest of forms. It is one of those albums that doesn't need much to win a Metalhead's heart, it merely swallows it whole. First it's the heaviness that is surreal, also thanks to vocalist Roberto Liapakis' production, but mainly due to the pulverizing riffery and rhythm section that are titanic. Gus. G's soloing mastery is a pure enjoyment. Second it is the 80's Metal devotion that has been integral in the songwriting, even to date in the band's current affairs. Keeping it straightforward, as if reaching for your throat, forcing you to scream out loud, has been working quite well for this group.

"Sign of the Cross" is a personal history for me, the first song that I got to know of this band. An iron fist rising, pounding the earth mercilessly, sends a gushy feeling that it is good to be a Metalhead. The slow tempo rhythm that reminds of MANOWAR, devastating main riff, soaring vocals that have always been passionate, guitar harmonies and massive soloing that could last forever. I think this is the band's top hit, but I know it could be argued. "Lords of Pain" and "Lost In Time" are exactly why MYSTIC PROPHECY's constant pattern has been working so well, sheer Heavy Metal onslaught showing tightness and entrapping riffs and choruses. "Calling From Hell" is an example of a perfect opener, leaving dust behind for the others to inhale. Such profound energies in Heavy Metal is always welcome.  Other hits to challenge your Metal faith: "Mystic Prophecy" and the undying "The Land Of The Dead".

The Massacre Records' reissue also contains two covers, one for MANOWAR's "Fighting The World" and IRON MAIDEN's "Sanctuary". Both will clearly emphasize the influences that have been spinning MYSTIC PROPHECY right from the start. Lastly, there are two live versions of the band's songs in Wacken Open Air of 2004, displaying a rather good quality performance.

"Regressus" is a great reminder for me that there is no limit to Heavy Metal, and that a band doesn't necessarily have to re-innovate itself to survive.