REVIEW: ANGELO PERLEPES’ MYSTERY – Spelled By Fire

 

ANGELO PERLEPES’ MYSTERY – Spelled By Fire

Sleaszy Rider SRL

The wait was long. Twenty-one years have passed since their last album, "Destiny" from 2004. Twenty-one years that the Greek metal scene awaited the return of one of its pioneers, guitarist Angelo Perlepes. And now, with "Spelled By Fire", Angelo Perlepes' Mystery not only return but do so with an album that serves as the natural continuation and culmination of a long-standing artistic journey.

Angelo Perlepes is not just a musician; he's an emblematic figure widely regarded as the first to introduce and establish the neoclassical heavy/power metal sound in Greece. "Spelled By Fire" honors this legacy, as the guitarist's technical skill is not an end in itself but a tool at the service of the composition. The maturity of the arrangements is evident in every note, with Angelo having harnessed his virtuosity to create compositions that have a clear vision and direction.

The music on the album is a fascinating crossroads of influences. On one hand, its roots are deeply embedded in the classic hard rock of Rainbow and Deep Purple and the virtuosity of Yngwie Malmsteen. On the other hand, the compositions are infused with elements from classical composers like Bach and Paganini, giving them a unique, almost symphonic character.

One of the most successful elements of "Spelled By Fire" is the excellent choice of Billy Vass on vocals. His voice brings a timbre strongly reminiscent of the legacy of the unparalleled Ronnie James Dio, giving the album an epic yet classic character. His performance harmonizes perfectly with the melodic guitar lines, bringing out the emotion of each track.

Special mention goes to the cover of Aphrodite's Child's legendary "Babylon." This choice is both bold and respectful, demonstrating artistic courage. Angelo Perlepes makes the song his own, transforming the original into a neoclassical metal epic and showcasing the artist's ability to breathe new life into classic songs.

For the more dedicated fans, here's an interesting detail: the recording process faced an unexpected technical obstacle when the hard disk drive containing the initial takes failed. This forced them to repeat the process, which ultimately benefited the album, making it even more dynamic and polished.

In summary, "Spelled By Fire" is a comeback album that justifies the long wait. Angelo Perlepes and his band deliver a record full of passion, technical excellence, and, most importantly, artistic maturity. It's an album that not only honors the past but also points the way forward for neoclassical heavy metal in Greece.

Nick Parastatidis