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VIS MYSTICA
"Celestial Wisdom"
(Dark Star Records; 2022)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I literally just finished my review of Skeletoon's "The 1.21 Gigawatt Club," a power metal album dedicated to the "Back to the Future" film franchise, and up next I find Vis Mystica and their EP, "Celestial Wisdom," which focuses on the Star Wars universe.
Is this a trend? Well. I'll guess we'll see.
Interestingly, my review of "Celestial Wisdom" is pretty much what I said in my review of the Skeletoon album. "Celestial Wisdom" is pure power metal through and through: soaring vocals, speedy rhythms, flashy (and speedy) guitars and high production values. "Celestial Wisdom" is a little grittier, a little darker, than "The 1.21 Gigawatt Club" and that's either a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you're looking for. The lyrics are appropriately "Star Wars"-themed and I especially like the cover art—a lone robed warrior holding a light saber high.
Especially impressive here are the fiery guitar
solos and the driving drums.
Bottom line (again the same as the Skeletoon review): If you're fan of power
metal and "Star Wars," then you'll find something to like here. My only
complaint (and I understand the reason behind it) is that there's no John
Williams music here. I can't think of Star Wars without thinking of John
Williams but that music can't be cheap to use.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/vismysticaofficial/ and May the Force be with you.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
