Tales of Mystery and Imagination

Tales of Mystery and Imagination is Nocturnal Rites' second album, on which they combined racing guitars and fantastical melodies to push the style of Nordic power metal forward. It is their first album after moving to Century Media, and lead guitarist Nils Norberg joins. Thinning the NWOBHM elements of the debut, they narrowed their focus to a more Helloween-tinted power metal. Nocturnal Rites had been playing this style early on, though at the time they were often overshadowed by the likes of HammerFall. Rousing, melodic songs like "Ring of Steel," "Change the World" and "Eye of the Demon" line up. Anders Zackrisson's soaring vocals and the melodies woven by the two guitars are the draw. Initially released only in Japan, it reached Europe the following year. An accomplished record that honed the style of melodic power metal. Touring behind this album with the likes of Overkill, the band spread its name. A record from a period when they steadily built international recognition from their base in Umeå.