MYSTFALL were formed in 2023 by vocalist Marialena Trikoglou (HORRORGRAPHY; MARIALENA) after the release of her solo album "Vanity". The symphonic Metal outfit are from Greece and release their debut album. Dionisis Christodoulatos, who also helped with composing and the arrangements, produced the album at Greek CFN Studios. It has a length of more than 42 minutes, and it was released via Italian Power, Thrash, and Heavy Metal specialists Scarlet Records.

The album starts with a for the genre typical two minute orchestral and cinematic intro, which is tension-building and becomes more and more bombastic as time goes by. The title song keeps, after a short piano driven start, the bombastic momentum going with thunderous guitar riffing supported by the strings. The vocals of Marialena Trikoglou are operatic and highly pitched with a choir supporting her. The Metal part of the title track has at times a few Power Metal vibes with a few double-bass features and few male growls in the background. However, the focus is put on a bombastic sound and the orchestral arrangements dominate the track. "Celestial Vision" is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below. "Centuries" continues with the bombastic sound for the chorus parts at least, while the verse parts are quieter. The melodies including the riffing are catchy. Although the orchestral arrangements and the background vocals are dominant, there are also some only Metal parts included, such as a very contributing lead guitar solo.

"Endless" starts heavy with more aggression and the riffing it tight. The vocals are very diverse and include a few lower notes and tonal shifts from higher to lower notes. The track is mainly driven by the guitars and the vocals during the verse and chorus parts, while the orchestral parts with mainly string contribution are only dominant during the break. The piano and the strings are introducing "Silence" and it is the piano that drives the song alongside the vocals. The vocals cover again most of the vocal range. As the verse part goes on, the strings take over from the piano, bridging into a bombastic chorus part with the full orchestra. "Silence" is a ballad-esque song and mainly driven by the arrangements. The arrangements are very well composed, and "Silence" is one of the album highlights. "Kings Of Utopia" has a quick start with the vocals immediately starting the track. It is one of the faster tracks on the album including dynamic mid-tempo parts or parts at a measured tempo. The melodies for the chorus parts are epic. "Kings Of Utopia" is one of the heavier tracks on the album with powerful riffing and a Death Metal inspired short break.

"Moral Compass" starts with a combination of thunderous riffing and the strings at a measured tempo. The melodies are dark, occasionally slightly melancholic, but have a lot of catchiness especially during the chorus part. "Moral Compass" has slightly more complexity compared to most album tracks with changes in tempo, rhythm, and melodies. The track is very well composed and arranged and is another album highlight. "The Balance Of Time" starts with a string pre-lude and then transitions into a part driven by powerful guitar riffs. The verse part is quiet and slow with the vocals accompanied by the acoustic guitar. A crushing bridge led by low growling vocals and sharp riffing precedes the orchestral bombastic chorus part. Highlights of the track are the versatile vocals and the excellent lead guitar solo. The album finishes with "Freedom Path" and the track starts with oriental vibes. While the verse parts are driven by the tight guitar riffing and the vocals, the chorus parts are dominated by the orchestra and the strings. "Freedom Path" is a direct track with a simple verse/chorus structure and one of the heaviest tracks on the album. It is a good way to end the album.

MYSTFALL deliver a good symphonic Metal album. The sound on the album is very much centered on the orchestral arrangements leading often to bombastic songs. The focal point are the vocals of Marialena Trikoglou who leads expertly through the songs. Her vocal range and her versatility give the songs an extra dimension and all songs are composed towards her vocal strengths. The album is well produced. It is very difficult for young symphonic Metal bands to find their own way in an overcrowded symphonic Metal market. MYSTFALL go for a bombastic and arrangement focused approach. This is nothing new and MYSTFALL still need to find their unique sound. "Celestial Vision" is a promising start, and the future will show where the journey will end. The sky is the limit.