EP Review: Mob Rules-Stories from the Verdant Vale

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Art Coverwork: Stan W Decker

Northern German Powerhouse Mob Rules have been around for over thirty years, releasing thematic concept albums, master storytelling and powerful melodies. They are set to release their latest EP, titled "Stories From the Verdant Valley", which features a five tracker, through ROAR.


The EP follows on from the success of last year's full-length "Rise of the Ruler", which told the story of a post-apocalyptic world. This was a continuation of their earlier albums, such as 1999's "Savage Lands" and 2000's "Temple of the Two Suns". Rise of the Ruler marked a turning point for the band, earning them critical acclaim for their ability to reach a wider audience with powerful,dynamic music.



Photo credit courtesy of Karsten Koch

The five tracks from Stories from the Verdant Vale are songs that did not make the final cut for Rise of the Ruler, continuing similar themes from the album.  Vocalist Klaus Dirks delivers another masterful performance with a strong vocal appearance, whilst guitarists Florian Dyszbalis and Sven Lüdke match the intensity with a twin guitar battle that produces scintillating riffs, and drummer Sebastian Schmidt keeps the songs together with his timely, metronomic fills. The songs are well-structured with progressive elements, mixed with power metal and classical instrumentals.



The opening intro, "Savage Land Reprises", opens with thunderous drums, winding guitar solos and a majestic orchestra, reminiscent of something taken from Game of Thrones. This soon segues into the heavy power metal on "Master of the Black Crow". The tracks on this release sound like they have been heavily influenced by bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, like on "Masquerade Ball", which focuses more on powerful vocal melodies and eerie, crunchy guitar riffs. "Above the Maelstrom" showcases those beautiful, heart-stopping ballads that you only get on classic metal releases. The EP finishes with the galloping rhythms of "Balance of Power", reminiscent of a herd of horses.



"Stories from the Verdant Vale" is a collection of five wonderful and diverse rock songs from metal legends that deliver a nice treat for their fans.


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