Review of Night Demon’s album “Mystery Blue” by Metal-Roos

Mystery Blue, a heavy metal band hailing from France, was originally formed in the early 1980s by guitarist Frenzy Philippon. After releasing two albums, the band went on a hiatus in 1989 only to regroup six years later with a new lineup. Since then, Mystery Blue has gone on to release a total of nine albums, with their latest offering, “Night Demon,” hitting the shelves in 2024.

The band’s current lineup consists of vocalist Nathalie Geyer, drummer Vince Koehler, guitarist Erik Lothaire, bass player Julien “Ted” Weibel, and founder Frenzy Philippon. “Night Demon” comprises thirteen tracks that pack a punch across fifty minutes of intense power and traditional heavy metal. The album kicks off with “End Of The World,” a high-speed track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The relentless energy of the band, coupled with Geyer’s powerful vocals, makes this song a fitting opener for an album titled “Night Demon.”

Continuing the momentum, Mystery Blue doesn’t let up with tracks like “Colours Of Life,” showcasing their ability to combine old-school heavy metal elements with modern power and speed. The album’s first few songs keep the adrenaline pumping, leading into the anthemic “Burning Souls” and the title track, “Night Demon,” which exudes a monumental mid-tempo energy that is sure to get heads banging.

As the album progresses, tracks like “Human Again” and “Pandemic Metal Virus” showcase the band’s versatility in tempo and style, drawing inspiration from traditional heavy metal legends like Judas Priest. The anthemic quality of songs like “Rebel At Heart” and “Undertakers” further solidify Mystery Blue’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene. Collaborating with Paragon frontman Andreas Babuschkin on “Undertakers,” Mystery Blue delivers a powerhouse track that highlights both male and female vocal prowess.

“Skulls From Hell” lives up to its title with its relentless pace and aggressive sound, setting the stage for the epic “Where Metal Rules,” which blends piano melodies with ferocious heavy metal riffs. The album then takes a brief respite with “Forever Hand In Hand,” a ballad-like track that still maintains the band’s signature intensity. Closing out the album with a cover of Accept’s “Restless And Wild,” Mystery Blue pays homage to the classic heavy metal sound that has inspired them throughout their career.

Overall, “Night Demon” is a tour de force of power-driven heavy metal that showcases Mystery Blue’s undeniable energy and musicianship. With a perfect balance of anthemic tracks and face-melting riffs, this album is sure to please fans of traditional heavy metal and newcomers alike.