There will be more clobbering, another iron fist for the fight, the constant struggle in blood and fire. Thus the prophecy portrays that enemies will be executed throughout the ages, and this ominous deed won't probably cease as there will be always someone left to be rid of the face of the earth and right into the burning steel of the hammer, commanded by the underworld. Breathing fire, right and ready for another round of bombastic fierce Metal onslaught, the German Power Metal prowlers of MYSTIC PROPHECY severed their toughened chains and cleanly cutting their guardian. Embarking on a new journey through their brand new release, "Killhammer", via Massacre Records, MYSTIC PROPHECY solidified their grip upon their hardened attitude Power Metal conveyance with utter persistence, distributing another pounding dosage of German toughness, providing a clear reminder of the old Teutonic thunder of PRIMAL FEAR, Swedish DREAM EVIL and the Greek FIREWIND. The hammer is here to stay and it is ready for yet another deathly bluster.

I believe that I stated it quite bluntly on the previous paragraph. "Killhammer" can be rendered as a continuance or at least a musical follower of the previous MYSTIC PROPHECY albums. I have to hand it to this group; they are one of the true meanings of the word "constant". As it would seem, at least from what I have heard during the course of the release, even the sound design was reserved and savored, therefore nothing really changed but the songs. Moreover, I would have to admit, that the songwriting itself hasn't been altered as well. MYSTIC PROPHECY's vision of darkened music immersed by quality chugged Power Metal fury once fulfilled. There is a pure reflection of meaty riffing strolling through the outskirts of Thrash, blasts of shred soloing that might hint of the superiority of Zak Wylde and the band's ex-axe Gus G., a grossly stimulating rhythm section clicking with a hellish drive cruising between harshness and traditional influences, and a foreboding soaring vocal line out to devour.

The thing about being constant has its disadvantages other than the usual loyalties to the band's legacy and tradition insinuated as benefits. It appears that MYSTIC PROPHECY's songwriting style hasn't changed throughout "Killhammer" thus presenting its an obvious fixture, one song after another. Honestly, in their case, I couldn't care less about anything oblivious, nor any element out of the ordinary as it would probably ruin the band's stature. On the other hand, at least from the impression I had from the first four tracks, it's the same thing altogether, too rudimentary and monotonous. However, individually, each of these tracks is a one pound of flesh, with an emblazoned ferocity. Fortunately, I felt a sudden change, fractionally at best, that shaped a different fate for the album in my bill. MYSTIC PROPHECY attacked with melodic surge of "Children Of The Damned", classically battered with "300 in Blood" and "Angels of Fire", sailing the seas of heaviness with "Warriors of the Northern Seas" while producing another explicit memorandum hailing with an insidious cover for Ozzy Osbourne early triumph, "Crazy Train". Actually, the latter is the number one puncture of the entire release, yet this is nothing more than a cover. Maybe it is a sign, or maybe not, but probably MYSTIC PROPHECY on all their glory will need to fuel their fire in the coming years.