Well, well, it’s finally here! “New World Messiah” is Nocturnal Rites 6th studio album since the debut back in 1995. I became familiar with Nocturnal Rites when “Afterlife” had just been released in 2000 and I fell instantly in love with this excellent band. So is this album another high quality release or not?

After I first listened to the album I felt kinda disappointed. I had very high expectations for it but it didn’t really live up to them. But it grew on me after a couple of listenings and I can say that we have yet another solid Nocturnal Rites release. The album feels like a natural progression from Shadowland, everything you associate with the band is present but that is also the album’s major drawback. It’s not exactly creative or breathtaking, neither does it bring anything new and exciting to the already crowded power metal scene. Most of these songs might as well have been on Shadowland. But I guess after the success of Afterlife and Shadowland the band has found their own style and that’s what we can expect to hear from the band in the future as well. Iron Maiden has sounded practically the same for over 20 years and you rarely hear anyone complain about that.

The thing I miss most of all from their older albums are the guitar-solos. Please bring back those amazing leads and solos from “Tales...” and “The Sacred Talisman” now! I know they have lots of talent but it feels like they’re holding back. It’s a shame. All the good stuff from Shadowland is still here though. Strong vocal lines, heavy and agressive guitars and very catchy songs. You can’t help but sing along to songs like “Avalon”, “Break Away” and “Against The World”. Singer Jonny Lindqvist sounds better than ever and he has become one of my favorite power metal vocalists. Powerful and unique voice. A new addition are the keyboards which enter the songs here and there. Don’t worry though if you don’t like keyboards. They’re not the main-focus here. All songs here are about 4-5 min long. I’m still awaiting an 15+ min epic from them but I guess that will never happen.

New World Messiah is a great introduction to the band for new fans. I think older fans will enjoy it too, even though it’s not as great as their previous efforts. As a big Nocturnal Rites fan I can say that I am a little bit disappointed with the album. But if you’re Sweden’s best power metal band you ought to have some high expectations on you, right? Maybe next time they can bring us the masterpiece we’ve been waiting for? Only the future can tell.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]