TAKE COMMAND

"Take Command" is a self-released 1989 EP by US power metal act Mystic Force. The lineup is the same as the lineup that recorded the three preceeding demos. The 4 tracks on the EP are also featured on the "Take Command - The Demo Years (1990)" compilation album and on the band´s debut full-length studio album "Shipwrecked with the Wicked (1990)".

The band play traditional US power metal with slight nods toward traditional progressive metal in the vein of Queensrÿche, Fates warning and Lethal. The tracks are cleverly composed and technically well played. Especially the title track is worth a mention. While the music isn´t overtly progressive it´s obvious that the band are aiming at moving in that direction. The sound production is powerful but not perfect to my ears.

Mystic Force are an exceptionally well playing act and especially guitarist Rich Davis deserves a mention for his powerful and intriguing playing. His solos are simply superb. Varied and challenging. The high pitched vocal delivery by Bobby Hicks and the skilled and tight rythm section of drummer Chris Lembach and bassist Keith Menser (also keyboards), also deserve a mention though.

To be honest I enjoyed the more direct musical approach of the demos more than the semi- progressive nature of "Take Command", but I never deny quality and "Take Command" is a quality release deserving a 3.5 star (70%) rating.