Massacre Records – Out Now.
It’s typical that during an economic recession, the art world suffers most…state funds are reduced (if not scrapped altogether), people’s attendance at shows declines and record labels tend to invest less in their artists.
It is during such a time that the German label Massacre Records decided to give the Italian quartet Darktribe a chance to present its inaugural effort “Mysticeti Victoria” – a decision that on paper looks risky, but which in reality makes sense, since this is one of the most impressive Heavy/Power Metal debuts in recent times.
My main concern prior to listening to “Mysticeti Victoria” was the possibility of suffering ‘melodic overload’ – a phenomenon inflicted by many Italian bands in the past. Happily, this was not the case here. Don’t get me wrong, the Agnello brothers are quite fond of their orchestral arrangements and choral chants but they use them discretely throughout the album, which leaves much space for Loic Manuello’s massive/solid riffs to make their presence felt, thereby creating an album that is as much rhythmically varied as it is enjoyable to listen to.
I really like the way these guys combine elements of Helloween & Stratovarius-style Euro Power with 80s Hard Rock in songs, such as “Taiji” and “Roma XXI”, the latter featuring a rhythmical theme in its break which is reminiscent of Deep Purple “Burn”- era and the moment they follow a more Kamelot approach to their Power Metal, such as in “Black Meteor”, their true skill begins to truly shine.
Half way through the album things become much heavier through the introduction of “Lost” and in “Poison Of Life”, one of the highlights of the album, the first few Iron Maiden style influences begin to creep into the proceedings. The two compositions that really stood out for me are “Beware The God” and “Life, Love & Death”, the former being a successful attempt to indulge in early 90s US Thrash Metal, while the latter proves that these lads could easily work on more Progressive musical formulae if they choose to do so in future releases.
I have to say: I was so impressed by what I heard on “Mysticeti Victoria” that I went online and ordered a copy of the album half way through preparing my notes for this review. Many spins later, my appreciation of these eleven compositions has grown significantly – you may feel the same, providing that you choose to give Darktribe’s debut release a chance.
Power Metal may be an oversaturated genre, but there is always some space for bands that are musically capable of making a difference, as these young Italians have proven here. Do yourselves a favour and buy this album.
John Stefanis
Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)
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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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