NOCTURNAL RITES · The Sacred Talisman (Re-Release) | CLEAR LP

Clear vinyl in standard cover.

Background information about ''

If you've been sleeping on Swedish power metal, let The Sacred Talisman be the record that grabs you by the collar and demands your attention. Nocturnal Rites dropped this beast in 1999 and it hasn't aged a day — if anything, it sounds even more vital now. From the moment the needle hits the groove, you're treated to that glorious twin-guitar attack that owes a massive debt to Iron Maiden but never feels like a cheap imitation. These guys know how to write a hook, and they deliver them in spades across all eleven tracks.

The production here is crisp and punchy, letting every galloping riff and soaring vocal line breathe. Tracks like "The Iron Force" and "Ride On" are pure adrenaline — the kind of songs that make you want to throw up devil horns while doing 90 on the autobahn. But it's not all speed and fury; the band balances the onslaught with moments of genuine melodic beauty, particularly on cuts like "Eternity Holds" where the guitar harmonies intertwine in ways that'll give you chills. This is the album where Nocturnal Rites truly found their voice, moving beyond their earlier, rawer sound into something more refined without losing an ounce of power. The rhythm section is tight as a drum, the solos are face-melting without being gratuitous, and the songwriting is just ridiculously consistent. For a record that's been out of print on vinyl for ages, this reissue is an absolute gift.

For fans of:
Stratovarius, Helloween, Iron Maiden

Other Versions

CD · 13,99 €

Track listing

A1. Destiny Calls
A2. The Iron Force
A3. Ride On
A4. Free At Last
A5. Hold On To The Flame
A6. Eternity Holds
B1. When Fire Comes To Ice
B2. The Legend Lives On
B3. The King's Command
B4. Unholy Powers (Night Of The Witch)
B5. Glorious

Manufacturer: 375 Media GmbH, Schlachthofstraße 36A, 21079 Hamburg, Germany, Contact: www.backonblack.com