MYSTIC was the first incarnation of a band that would later evolve to be known as WICKED MARAYA and would deliver the magnificent US Power / Progressive Metal monument ‘’Cycles’’ in 1994, that has been recently reissued after 40 years, on the occasion of the band’s first show in 25 years, that witnesses the return of New York’s veteran metallers, to the 21st century metal scene.
MYSTIC were formed back in 1983, in a year that would that would be marked by the explosion of a brand new genre of heavy metal, that was described initially as power metal or speed metal but would eventually be established as Thrash Metal.
The band was initially embodied by the three Iadevaio brothers, John on bass, Michael on guitar and James on drums, accompanied by singer Steve Longo who was a chilldhood friend and provided also the second guitar. Soon the band’s singer, not wanting to perform in front of people, would be replaced by Lou Falco. James Iadevaio left the band in 1986, so the band recruited Rob Liano.
From 1986 through 1988, MYSTIC underwent several line-up changes. John Iadevaio also switched from bass to guitar during this period. In 1988, the final line-up of MYSTIC was solidified when drummer Mike Nack joined the band and also the Iadevaio brothers’ cousin, Dan Malsch on guitar. That line – up was the one that recorded ‘’Cycles’’ under the moniker WICKED MARAYA and a different music direction.
MYSTIC were playing a significantly different style of music at the time. This can be observed on this release, comprised of demo recordings that originate from the band’s 1988 demo ‘’’88 8 Trk. Demo’’ and other best possible surviving sources / recordings.
The heavier thrashier style the band was delivering, can be observed from the first song ‘’The Unknown’’. A fresh, fast, raw, aggressive style of music, in the vein of METALLICA’s early days in ‘’No Life ‘Til Leather’’ demo or the ‘’Kill ‘Em All’’ album. It is very remarkable how similar to James Hetfield’s young voice, sound the voice of Lou Falco in those recordings.
Although the band had influences from KISS, JUDAS PRIEST or from NWOBHM, in the next song called ‘’Running In the Night’’ they are ‘’assaulting’’ in total early Thrash Metal mode, with sharp riffs and blistering solos that bring in mind another New York’s band, ANTHRAX.
Listen to ‘’Blackout’’ and travel back in time, to the early days of Thrash Metal. An excellent powerful song, initiating by a marvelous solo, spitting fire from the guitar’s fretboard, totally indicative of that movement. ‘’Secret Evil’’ that follows, whilst not so fast as the previous song, is another song that reminded me ANTHRAX and Joey Belladonna.
I will not go further in a track by a track analysis. I think you have caught the point. Influences or similarities also from bans such as early TESTAMENT, EXODUS and MEGADETH are spread all over.
MYSTIC was a very talented band that had been able to compose extremely beautiful, original thrash metal and heavy songs, which makes me wonder why they didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
I really enjoyed this release and I furthermore believe that these songs need to be listened by all meticulous metal listeners, who want to experience again that astonishing era.
‘’The Mystic Demos’’ has been released on the 16th of August 2024 by Heaven and Hell Records and is available on CD and Digital format.
_________________________________________________________________________
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
