スウェーデンのメロディックメタル、ノクターナル・ライツの2nd。1997年作 1stの時点では普通に正統派のメロパワという印象であったが、本作においてメロディの魅力が大幅にアップ、 ツインギターでメロディックに疾走するスタイルは、いまでいうところのクサメロ系メロスピの先駆けであろう。 のちのアルバムに比べるといくぶんのマイナー臭さを残しているが、それがかえって魅力にもなっている。“Lost in Time”、 “End of the World”、“Warriors in Return”などキャッチーなメロの佳曲も多く、とくにラストの“Ring of Steel”は悶絶ものの名曲。 バンドは続く3rd「Sacred Talisman」においてこの路線を極め、その後よりパワフルな正統派へと深化してゆくことになる。 ちなみに、かつての日本盤は「エンド・オブ・ザ・ワールド」というタイトルであったが、海外盤ではジャケや曲順が変わっている。
Before I begin, I should say that I am quite glad to have this album. The compositions on "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" deliver considerably different excitement and freshness, and for this reason any rating I may give it does not reflect the album appropriately. The dexterity of the entire band`s playing/singing is excellent at all times. However, and again, it is the freshness of the composition that varies too much. I will try and rate each:
Ring of Steel ** - after the nice Middle Ages intro, the travel tunes type of melody "kills" the enjoyment of the composition despite the otherwise nice Malmsteen-ish bridge and Iron Maiden-ish rhythm.
Dark Secret *** - Good singing reminiscent of Europe from the ``Europe`` album, with a very good arrangement even though (dangerously?) using the well known Iron Maiden/Judas Priest-ish rhythm - a moderately interesting song.
Test of Time **** - The Europe feel again, warm-up singing for a minute, a very nice chorus, with a Norum-ish good old, somewhat bluesy style solo, no neoclassical stuff, very nice though. The outro harmonies are somewhat monotonic but very nice anyway.
Lost In Time ***** - a great harmony solo at the beginning, relaxed singing over a rapid rhythm, quickly gets into the chorus section, excellent bridge, with rapid guitar picking and a liquid speed solo - the overall song leaves a great impression.
The Vision***** (can I give it 6 stars?) - excellent intro guitar and relaxed singing over a rapid tempo, even a greater chorus section, melodic riffing/picking between singing sections, beautiful breath-taking solo, liquid speed, tons of harmony and heavy vibratos, awesome lightness of the guitar fills, the speed and harmony delight may be comparable to Malmsteen's "Fury".
Warrior's Return **** - a slower Europe style with a very nice refreshing arrangement, the very cool melodic guitar solo makes you look forward to the rest of the composition and when the vocal returns. A very nice song altogether.
Change the World and Pentagram ** - are not bringing anything refreshing and, although they may be technically challenging to play, the melodies are too much travel tunes-like (... I have nothing against travel tunes, and they are in my nicest long-term memories ... however, different life ages may have different artistic demands ...).
End of the World *** - the same Maiden/Priest-ish rhythm again ... anyway, the guitar and keyboard solos are very nice ... still, the overall impression is just OK ... or a bit under. Eye of the Demon **** - Malmsteen's "Liar"-ish type harmonies, somewhat refreshing with nice bridges, good chorus, harmony and solo guitars.
The Curse ***** (can I please put 6 stars here?) - a jaw-dropping, fast-paced, very original refreshing melody, refined guitar picking, fills and soloing throughout the composition, awesome singing, the lightness of execution by the whole band over the rapid tempo is stunning ... the composition is my personal top 50 of all times - a beauty out of simplicity!
Burn In Hell **** - not bad at all, with the Maiden/Priest-ish rhythm (... oh no, not ...) again (however) the singing and (suddenly) the great harmony/rapid picking guitar solo save the song and leave a very good impression at the end of the album.
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