Power Metal veterans MYSTIC PROEPHECY are back, but this time without a full-length original release and instead with an album full of 80s covers. Is that what the people of 2017 want? Probably not, but you know what, MYSTIC PROPECHY gave it a hell of a shot and it actually ends up being pretty great.

In the words of lead singer R.D. Liapakis: "I've always been a huge fan of Pop and Rock music of the 70s, 80s & 90s and I always asked myself, how these songs would sound MYSTIC PROPHECY-style." That is pretty much what we get throughout the entire album. Fans of the old classics that are covered here - ranging from ELTON JOHN to LENNY KRAVITS to T.REX - will be psyched. MYSTIC PROPHECY bring their classic Power and Speed Metal sound to the songs and infuse them with energy. There are a lot of epic and bold rhythm guitar riffs that will have you head banging to melodies you never thought you'd be head banging to.

Newer and younger fans will still be able to enjoy the songs for what they are. Liapakis did a fantastic job picking a wide range of epic and catchy melodies from classic songs, thus when infused with a nice dose of Heavy Metal they make for a very enjoyable listen whether you have heard the originals or not. It was a great choice starting the album with a cover of ELTON JOHN's "I's Still Standing". As one of the most widely recognized and well-respected performers of all time, it's easy to transition into an album that solely consists of covers. The third cover on the album stands out as being the best to me, even with a re-listen.

The 3-spot is a great place to put your best song on an album, so I commend them for thinking that through. It is "Shadow On The Wall" by MIKE OLDFIELD. This is my favorite track for 2 reasons. First of all, it is a lesser known and harder to find song, generally speaking. Secondly, the original has a more upbeat and old town Blues Rock type of feel, which is a very distinct sound. MYSTIC PROPHECY takes it to a fantastically heavy and groovy Metal level, and honestly, it fits the song better than the original. That is when you have made a truly GREAT cover, when the song is actually improved upon. This cover is fucking rad, and I keep listening to it; and MYSTIC PROPHECY owns it in such an impressive way that I forget that it's even a cover. Huge congratulations in order for this track.

Other noteworthy tracks for me included covers of "Hot Stuff" (DONNA SUMMER), "Get It On" (T.REX), and "Proud Mary" (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL). "Proud Mary" may have been my favorite among those bunch, nearly elevating the song to a new level in the same way as with "Shadows On The Wall". All in all, if you go into this expecting it to be exactly what it is: a modern Power Metal cover album of 80s classics with some heavy and exciting riff work, you're going to have a great time. Don't take it too seriously and enjoy the fun that MYSTIC PROHPECY are having. In terms of cover albums, it is a very solid entry and worth any Metalhead's time who is a fan of the classics.