STEEL PROPHET - Book Of The Dead
May 10, 2001, 23 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
Even though they hail from the USA, Steel Prophet are still virtually unknown in North America (!), something that could change rapidly with the release of Book Of The Dead which sees the band going for a somewhat heavier sound and more direct approach. For those unfamiliar with the band's back catalogue, Steve Kachinsky's spellbinding guitar playing and Rick Mythiasin's incredible vocal range are the foundation of Steel Prophet's sound which is strongly influenced by the Iron Maiden and Fates Warning (Arch-era) old school of heavy metal. Arcane powers at work or not, the chances are Book Of The Dead will put you under its spell, but it takes repeated listens for its magic to truly claim your soul (and your CD player!). Highlights include opening track 'When Six Was Nine' with its intricate main riff and dual guitar harmonies. 'Tragic Flaws' is pure Kachinsky genius while 'Escaped''s nostalgic sound brings you back to the time of Maiden's Powerslave. 'Church Of Mind' is possibly the most haunting Steel Prophet song ever recorded. 'Burning Into Blackness' and 'Anger Seething' showcase Mythiasin's voice at its emotional best. At the end of this journey, Steel Prophet can proudly stand beside Nevermore, Iced Earth and Jag Panzer as U.S. power metal saviours against all that trendy nu-metal invasion.
