If you've ever wondered why we do what we do here at Metal-Temple, it is because gems like this exists. This EP from a small Netherlands band called MISTRAL came to life in 2015, 2 years after the creation of the band. The only way to define their style of music would be: Death Progressive Melodic Metal.

The album opens up right away on "Enthralled", a 12 minute emotional roller-coaster that will take you all over the place. Growls and clean vocals are literally enthral you within a progressive piece that will leave you breathless. It caught my ear right away, on the first pass I was under its spell. This has to be what love at first sight is.

"Of Wisdom And Pain" is a lot shorter, but it also packs a punch. It fits well between the two massive pieces of this album. Their first listed influence is OPETH, which is the most accurate reference I could have given to describe these songs. The melody is so well written, it is hard to imagine this is their first EP.

This album ends with "Bereft"; another monster of a song with a length of 9 minutes. There is some serious talent in this band musically as well as in terms of songwriting. All of the guitar riffs were performed flawlessly, the vocals are incredible and the melody is inspired. The tempo keeps alternating from fast to slow throughout the insane melody.

MISTRAL is definitely one to look for. If they keep going forward, they could get big very quickly. I rarely recommend EPs - I always prefer waiting for the full-length album - but this is way too good to pass up. This album is a must; just give it a listen. Sadly, they only have live performance up on Youtube and the quality is not great, but you can also look them up on Bandcamp in the links.