It’s common to say that ‘an old monkey doesn’t learn new tricks’, but if a Metal band can do so, and evolve, sharpen and renew its own musical formula as time passes by and keep things relevant to the fans. Many bands do such thing and release albums that are pretty good, even when the band is a veteran on the scene. And the French quintet MYSTERY BLUE shows that is one of those that has a lot to say, as heard on “Night Demon”, its new full-length. The quintet is becoming near its 50th birthday (they started back in 1978), so the difficulties of the scene are usual for them. And their musical formula is excellent: a mix between traditional Heavy Metal of the 80s with some touches of Hard Rock and even German Speed Metal from the 80s, but with an updated outfit that allows the band to express its songs with energy and personality, but without losing its roots.

It’s really heavy as iron and melodic, with a savage and young energy! It’s what the doctor said that’s good to keep the heart beating happily. Vince Koehler (the band’s drummer) did the mixing and mastering at V.I.P. Studios. The choice was to a modern and heavy sonority, but that allow the band to use a more classic set of instrumental tunes. And it works perfectly for the band’s music, earning to it an actual a revigorated appeal, with things understandable. And the artwork of Jean Linhoff fits on the album’s music. As guest, here is Andreas Babuschkin (of PARAGON) on the vocals.

The songs of “Night Demon” express many different ideas that one can feel as they’re playing. But let’s be honest: dealing with living and aggressive songs as “End of the World” (wow, what great guitar riffs and energy can be felt on this one), “Colours of Life” (a heavy and burning song with tons of weight and energy on bass guitar and drums), “Burning Souls”, “Night Demon” (a perfect live song with many contrasts), “Human Again”, “Pandemic Metal Virus” (great and lovely melodies), “Rebel at Heart”, “Undertakers” (this one is for those with necks of steel), “Skulls from Hell”, “Where Metal Rules”, “Wild Fire”, “Forever Hand in Hand” (a lovely and introspective song with excellent vocals) and their personal version for ACCEPT’s old hymn “Restless and Wild” is a privilege. And it’s amazing to see a veteran working with such level after all these years.

It’s great to see (and hear) a veteran as MYSTERY BLUE still active and relevant, and releasing albums with such lust for weight as “Night Demon”. Listen to it and bang your fucking head!