Mystic-Force came out of Baltimore in the mid
eighties and slowly built a name in the underground through demos, singles and
steady work with European distributors. Their early grind through small labels
and self made releases shaped a band that aimed for ambitious metal with strong
musicianship. The line up that recorded “The Eternal Quest” had already tested
its chemistry in the studio, something that helped them reach a unified
direction by the time they entered Oz Recording
Studio. With Rich Davis on guitar, Keith Menser on bass and keyboards, Bobby Hicks behind the microphone and Chris Lembach on drums, the band delivered its
most widely known album, now restored and mastered by Patrick
W. Engel for a fresh release on High Roller
Records.
“The
Eternal Quest” moves with a technical edge that never trips over itself. Mystic-Force build their structures with careful
timing, giving space for Davis to drive the
songs with intricate guitar patterns while Hicks brings
a theatrical spark in his voice, full of range and emotion. There is a clear
progressive frame here, with shifting rhythms and changes that nod toward the
American side of power metal. Instead of overwhelming the listener with
unnecessary clutter, the band balances detail and forward momentum, keeping
everything easy to follow even when the music takes unexpected turns.
Hicks powers
through the material with strong delivery, rising high when needed and pulling
back with control when the song demands something more restrained. Davis operates like a storyteller with his guitar,
using melodic runs and expressive phrasing to push the songs forward. Menser’s bass lines add depth and drama, and his
keyboard touches color the music without taking attention away from the rest of
the group. Lembach anchors the album with
tight drumming that always serves the direction of the song. The restored audio
gives new life to each song, bringing clarity and warmth while keeping the
original character untouched.
The album
keeps a consistent atmosphere throughout, shifting between adventurous moments
and more direct bursts of power. Tracks such as “Shipwrecked With The Wicked”,
“Another World” and “Answers Of The Mystery” show a band that had full command
of its craft at the time. Even the bonus track “Blind Vision” blends smoothly
into the collection and works as a final nod to the band’s early legacy.
Nothing feels out of place, and the sequence works as a complete journey
through classic American progressive heavy metal.
Mystic-Force were
often mentioned as a hidden treasure of the scene, and this renewed edition
explains why. The songwriting, the performances and the overall ambition form a
strong package that never drifts away from its target. “The Eternal Quest”
stands as a rich and engaging album from a group that deserved more attention
during its active years. This reissue gives the music a second life and
confirms the album’s solid standing in the genre.
Score: 8.5
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