AFM Records
/www.afm-records.de
www.myspace.com/nostradameusofficial
Review: Craig Hartranft, 02.08.2010
I stumbled upon Germany's Nostradameus in a used CD store several years ago. I believe the album was 2004's Hellbound. I was excited, but moderately impressed. Still I became a curious follower of the band. Illusions Parade is Nostradameus' sixth album and, honestly, I'm wondering if the band is making any progress. In the past and present, Nostradameus is marked by speed and heaviness. Generally, they don't let up with their version of heavy, with power, metal from first song to the last. That's a good thing: I like 'heavy' in my heavy metal. Nevertheless, in this sense, the band has settled into their chosen path. But is that enough?
If you dig melodic power metal from Nostradameus you will be happy as a pervert at a porno convention. However, if your expectations run higher, Illusions Paradise is merely more of the same, and essentially proves the critic's diatribe about the redundancy of power metal. Ultimately, if you're a fan, then Nostradameus' Illusions Paradise is for you. Otherwise, it's rudimentary German power metal and relatively unconvincing. But it you're a sucker for power metal (as I am) and this is one of your favorite bands, you'll dig it. Just shoot me now.
Ultimately, if you're a fan, then Nostradameus' Illusions Paradise is for you. Otherwise, it's rudimentary German power metal and relatively unconvincing.
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