This is pompous melodic-progressive Metal as it's best, by a German band. They are playing in the same vein as Savatage, Helloween, Queensryche, Hammerfall and Dream Theatre.

Their first album called "Why Now" (Semaphore 37978-422 CD) was released on the Semaphore label in 1995 and "Mystic Places" are Avalon's second release. "Mystic Places" are a very powerful and impressive second release.

Avalon has a great sense for catchy melodies, like in "I'm Falling" (a track that my six year old son became very fond of), and they are very technically skilled musicians. Just listen to "Two Mental" and you know what I mean, the albums best track. Other tracks on this album that's worth mentioning are "Passion For Glory", "Through The Eye Of The End", "Burning Down The House" and "Blind Dance".

Charlie Bauerfeind, known for his work with Gamma Ray and Angra produces the album. The sound is very crisp and at the same time very fat.

I'm looking forward to the next album by Avalon that will be out in the market in November 1998.