Every country in the world needs its big time guitar shredder, such a musician that would makes jaws drop everywhere he plays. Let's face it, there are countries with more than one, whether ultra-famous or going up on the ladder towards success. I am positive, for instance, that Greece has more than one shredding axeman, but the question is if the he or she is doing something about it. In the mid-80s, a Heavy Metal guitarist named Angelo Perlepes made the right choice and started to actually write material to broaden his tremendous guitar skills and started a band. The rest is history. Trust me I saw this band playing live and he undoubtedly has it. In 1991, through a small local label titled Wipe Out! Records, Angelo's MYSTERY band released its debut album, "Mystery", to be considered the first Neo-Classical Metal album in Greece. Preparing the grounds for a new album sometime soon, the Greek Sleaszy Rider Records reissued the debut to show that the past is alive.

If there is something that I didn't like while listening to Guitar hero driven albums, is the fact that some guitarists have been egotistically over focused in their marvelous skills other than showing their true art in writing an actual song and integrate their abilities within. Gladly that Mr. Perlepes did the opposite and wrote songs. The material is relatively catchy, sharing various elements from the worlds of late 70s Hard Rock and 80s AOR with outbursts of old school Heavy and Power Metal, all the way going melodic. Tunes that have the feel of BLACK SABBATH with Dio, DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW. Generally, it turned out promising, not over the top I might add, yet with a rather powerful lineup that essentially made a good prospect. Perlepes showcases wonderful shredding abilities, carrying on the works of Yngwie Malmsteen, both in playing technique and sound signature, while also adding a fine layer of Ritchie Blackmore style touches.

The opening track "Do Me Love", a Shred meets AOR phenomena, worked out pretty well, a smooth song that is beautifully made, almost on the verge of being radio friendly but minus the cheese and with a bewildering solo display. Mystery was unfolding with the darkened "Burning Eyes" that showed the power of great harmonies of vocals and guitars. "Unicorn" unleashed a melodic Power Metal effort, a solid speedster that welcomed a form that took on a stronger hold in the 90s. The 70s returned with "Alone", a sort of a loosen vibe with the keyboards and those Blackmore rhythm guitar riffs that brought back memories of past RAINBOW albums.

Certainly it wasn't the best album by this band, and there is still one for me to go. For now, please make yourself useful and purchase yourself a copy.