My opinion about the European Power Metal scene is very clear; I think that this sound is restrictive by its definition resulting in the release of similarly sounding albums. Usually, bands following this genre are in total compliance with the same old recipe that stands rigid without letting some fresh air to enter. So, when the new MOB RULES album fell in my hands I was already writing the review in my mind without listening a single song.
This band comes from Germany and has already released five full length albums but for some unknown reasons not a single one has entered my CD player. This is partly due to the fact mentioned in the introduction that is also enhanced by the large number of new releases. So, Radical Peace is the band's sixth studio album and I can say from the very beginning that failed to fall in the aforementioned band category. But let me explain myself.
Although, the Euro Power Metal is everywhere MOB RULES have managed to add diversity in the music expanding a little bit the restricting rules of this genre. The album starts with the impressive Children Of The Flames that is based in a striking main melody and a BRAINSTORM heaviness. The chorus melody sung by Klaus Dirks is so addictive that made me push the replay button many times. The keyboards add volume to the music without entering the progressive scene and thus giving depth to the composition. Trial By Fire welcomes some vivid IRON MAIDEN influences from the Brave New World days but then changes in the previous BRAINSTORM groove. Melody is still the main issue while the term Power is underlined by the up tempo and sing-along chorus. I could also mention the STRATOVARIUS (late era) influences in the keyboards and the epic profile that is slowly revealed through the minor orchestrations. But all the money goes to the impressive 18 minutes of The Oswald Fire; here MOB RULES deal with the alleged assassination of JFK by Harvey Lee Oswald. The song really captures the heavy atmosphere of those blurry days. There are several audio excerpts from the assassination day embed in the music enhancing the 'concept' atmosphere that the band wants to create. The song reaches a guitar-climax slightly touching the early DREAM THEATER sound consequently implementing some minor progressive Metal additions.
The bottom line is that MOB RULES tried successfully to jump out of the overused Euro Power Metal recipe and walk towards music diversity. There is more than the eye can see in Radical Peace and if you like this type of Metal then you will find the time to discover them. As for me, I am very happy that I enjoyed an album with the Power Metal tag outside the cover.
In order to get a taste from this German band watch below the video clip for Last Farewell that comes from the band's previous album Ethnolution A.D..
Last Farewell