Nocturnal Rites
are something of an amazing band -- amazing in the sense that they couldn't care less that it's no longer the early '80s, and British/
gothic metal
is no longer remotely in vogue.
Tales of Mystery and Imagination
recalls the tightly riffed, classically tinged twin-guitar interplay of bands like
Helloween
and especially
Iron Maiden
, in the sci-fi/fantasy lyrics as well as the music. It's a carefully crafted effort that will appeal strongly to fans who, like
, still love this particular style of
metal
regardless of trends. ~ Steve Huey