The nucleus of the Dutch rock act Wicked Mystic was formed way back in 1992, when guitar player Harald Te Groothuizen and drummer Wily Van Haren first teamed up to form a band. During the first 5 years however they were unable to keep a steady line-up together, and new members continuously drifted in and out of the group. In 1994 they nevertheless managed to release the mini album named 'Mend Or End', which earned them critical acclaim as well as the beginnings of a loyal, and ever-growing, fan following. They were even offered a serious recording deal, but that fell through when, once again, the vocalist quit the band. They plodded on, honing their songwriting craft. Then in 1997 the line-up stabilized when vocalist Remko Roes, second guitarist Niels Kuenen and bass player Erik Schut joined the founder members of Wicked Mystic. Soon after they signed a management deal, which in turn led to a recording agreement with Rokarola Records. Thus in the autumn of 2000 Wicked Mystic recorded 'The Paramount Queastion', their first full-length album, which was released all over Europe in the beginning of 2001.
 

LITHIUM (2002) MAUSOLEUM

  1. Toxemia
  2. Hollow Phrase
  3. Knight Errant
  4. M.I.A. Man
  5. Silent Dance
  6. Broken From Bending
  7. Calm Despair
  8. The Reverie
  9. Mournful Rhymes
  10. Warhorse
  11. Inborn Jester
  12. Last Honesty

Line-up:

Niels Kuenen - Guitars

Erik Schut - Bass

Remko Roes - Vocals

Wily Van Haren - Drums

Harald Te Grotenhuis - Guitars

Wicked Mystic came to may attention reading Scream Magazine. This power metal band from the Netherlands released this, their second album, on the then newly resurrected Mausoleum Records back in 2002. The first thing I noticed when I listened to this CD was the vocals of one Remko Roes. Imagine a mix of Rob Halford (Judas Priest) (or Tim "Ripper" Owens for that matter) and David Wayne (Metal Church), and you'll surely understand that this man can sing! The band sounds tight, even though the production on is a tad powerless. Musically these guys deliver equal amounts of powerful riffs and some more melodic ideas. And on a song like "M.I.A. Man" they even remind me quite a bit of Nevermore. Wicked Mystic broke up the year after the release of this album, and remain one of many underground metal acts that never quite made it to the masses.

Killer tracks: Toxemia, Knight Errant, M.I.A. Man, Silent Dance