Nostradameus - The Prophet Of Evil

Year of Release: 2001
Label: AFM Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 53:50:00

Only two members remain from the line-up that released Words Of Nostradameus in 2000 - vocalist Freddy Persson and guitarist Jake Fredén. The changes reflect the growing nature of the band and Freddy relinquishing his role as bass player to concentrate solely on vocals.

Swedish power metal is what they give us in the mold of Stormwind, Crystal Eyes, and Majestic, with influences from stalwarts Gamma Ray, Iron Maiden, and Priest. Yes, it's clichéd but it's also aptly performed and produced and has all the elements that make power metal the genre that it is. By the number of power metal bands that Sweden holds at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if band members were heavily into Europe and Maiden about 15 years ago. It's that or there is something in the water in Sweden. In fact, Nostradameus actually cover Europe's "Scream Of Anger"!

The production by the band has gone through the roof and they have done a commendable job (it's mixed by Mikko Karmilla as well). The Prophet Of Evil delivers some knockout performances that don't administer too much in the complexity department, but knock you flat with melody filled songs that vary considerably on the disc. It certainly is heavier in the riff department with a much cleaner and clinical sound. Consistency is also there as it's not as up and down, as their debut.

Standout tracks include "Murder," the opener "Hymm To These Lands," and the amazing piano-led ballad that is "Requiem (I Will Honour Thy Name)" that is reminiscent of HammerFall's "I Believe" (from Glory To The Brave). The ten minute ending "The Final Battle" is indeed worthy of its length. Some bands create lengthy tracks because they can, Nostradameus put this on because it sounds good (the end of it is great!). "The Power's In Your Hands," which is reminiscent of classic Helloween/Gamma Ray, and the solo impressive "Gathering Resistance," eventually turns into a HammerFall clone. The songs are guitar heavy with big group choruses that give you that fist in the air type metal feel.

Nostradameus have followed up with a well thought out and planned sophomore disc. If you have enough of this style already then this won't add anything new. If you still enjoy this style then once again, this stands in the above average category.

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
The Prophet Of Evil / Hymn To These Lands / Evil Prophecies / Murder / Requiem (I Will Honour Thy...) / In Prison / The Escape / The Power's In Your Hand / Gathering Resistance / The Final Battle / Scream Of Anger

Musicians:
Freddy Persson - vocals
Jake Fred?n - guitars
Michael ?berg - guitars
Thomas Antonsson - bass
Jesse Lindskog - drums

Discography:
Words Of Nostradameus (2000)
The Prophet Of Evil (2001)
The Third Prophecy (2003)
Hellbound (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin SE

Added: January 17th 2005
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website: www.nostradameus.com
Hits: 2642
Language: english