Power Metal bands nowadays are a dime a dozen. I honestly believe that there is some kind of secret factory probably in Germany that is making them. However, Nocturnal Rites does not fall into the cookie cutter of Power Metal bands, they have been around for a while and they definitely deserve some credit. After releasing their latest album, Grand Illusion, they will definitely be getting that recognition.
Nocturnal Rites started out in the early 1990's and were originally a more Extreme Death Metal band, but changed to their present style before recording their first Demo. Going through several lineup changes including a one time member of Naglfar, they have released a total of seven albums including this one and their Century Media debut (their second), which is what started all this fuss, Tales Of Mystery And Imaginations (1998). They have toured the world with some of the top Power Metal bands such as Hammerfall, Tad Morose,  Irons Savior and Edguy. They also did a tour in support of this album with Gamma Ray.
This album is a jammed pack with quality tunes. Nocturnal Rites has been around for a while, but I think this has to be their best release to date. While every song in this album is strong, I will only address the two strongest. The first being my personal favorite, Cuts Like A Knife. I have heard very few Power Metal tracks that can compete with the heaviness and the catchiness of this track. The first time I heard this track, I had to listen to it at least 5 more times, I just could not believe the quality of this track. The lead guitar part is crunchier than a bag of fresh cheetos and catchier than the latest Britney Spears track. The other highlight from the album was the track following Cuts Like A Knife, and it is titled End Of Our Rope. Once again they hit the nail right on the head, they do tone down the heaviness but not the catchiness. It is very melodic and beautiful.
I honestly believe that this album will help catapult them to the forefront of Power Metal. Nocturnal Rites have done the time in the business that is Heavy Metal and now is their time to shine like the fricking sun.