When it comes to melodic power metal groups Mob Rules is one that I have no hesitation in recommending any of their albums. Their last was Timekeeper a great value best of box set celebrating Mob Rule's 20th anniversary in 2014. Mob Rule's previous studio album was the excellent Cannibal Nation in 2012 and now we have the soon to be released Tales From Beyond.
The German group has become more progressive over time while retaining that catchy melodic sound which makes them so very appealing. Tales From Beyond features ten new songs including the three part epic title track, and a re-recorded version of the vibrant power metal tune "Outer Space" which originally appeared on their second album Temple Of Two Suns. Tales From Beyond takes influence from historic events and literature, such as opener "Dykemaster's Tale" a song that is based on German writer Theodor Storm's novel "The Rider on the White Horse" and the title track or tracks I should say which takes inspiration from Andy Weir's "The Martian". There's a touch of Iron Maiden on "Dykemaster's Tale" a fine and lengthy song that leaves a very positive impression, "Somerled" is very addictive starting with the sounds of bagpipes as the band sets the scene before the melodic metal is dialled in and the song takes off then Mob Rule's seals the deal by delivering one of the albums most memorable choruses. "Signs" is classic slower Mob Rules and that's just fine with me when both the music and vocals are this good. Leading up to the title track Mob Rules don't settle for second best there are no fillers here and they up they fire it up for "Dust Of Vengeance".
To the album's epic inclusion presented in multiple parts which is something the band have done in the past like on both their debut album Savage Land with the title track and once again on Radical Peace there was the excellent "The Oswald File". Style wise "A Tale From Beyond" is a varied and adventurous trio of songs and as I mention above it is based on the book "The Martian" which of course was also adapted into a recent movie. With a mixture of intensity, you have the addictive melodic metal of "Part 1: Through The Eye Of The Storm" the combined vocals are so effective, the balladesque "Part 2: A Mirror Inside" and "Part 3: Science Save Me!" closes with more compelling melodic magic from Mob Rules as they tell of the desperate fight to be saved and returned to planet Earth.
Tales From Beyond is another quality album by Mob Rules, and fans of melodic and power metal should keep an eye out for this one as there's a great selection of both.
Track Listing
1.Dykemaster's Tale
2. Somerled
3. Signs
4. On The Edge
5. My Kingdom Come
6. The Healer
7. Dust Of Vengeance
8. A Tale From Beyond (Part 1: Through The Eye Of The Storm)
9. A Tale From Beyond (Part 2: A Mirror Inside)
10. A Tale From Beyond (Part 3: Science Save Me!)
11. Outer Space (Bonus Track- Digi Version)
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