Mystic Force Take Command CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Mystic Force were a pioneering progressive power metal band from Baltimore, Maryland, known for their technical precision, high energy, and strong following in the underground metal scene. Formed in 1984 by guitarists Rich Davis and Marc Rouchard with bassist Keith Menser, the band reached their classic early lineup with drummer Chris Lembach and vocalist Bobby Hicks. Their first self-financed demo tape sold more than 5,000 copies, an impressive achievement that helped launch them beyond the local scene.

In 1990, with the support of C.M.F.T. Records in England, Mystic Force released their first vinyl, “Take Command,” featuring four new compositions paired with their 1987 demo. Later that same year they issued the limited 12” single “Shipwrecked With The Wicked”/“Eternal Quest,” a key release in their career. “Shipwrecked With The Wicked” became one of the band’s signature tracks, remembered for its energy, strong hooks, and emotional significance. Guitarist Rich Davis recalls it as a highlight of their live shows and a song tied closely to the memory of Keith Menser, Bobby Hicks, and William, all of whom have since passed away.

Mystic Force continued to build their reputation through constant self-promotion and steady output, eventually signing with German label Rising Sun Productions. Their full-length albums “The Eternal Quest” (1993) and “A Step Beyond” (1995) became important works within the progressive US power metal style. A final studio album, “Man vs. Machine,” followed in 2001 on the band’s own Siegen Records. After the band dissolved, Chris Lembach and Rich Davis formed Shift and recorded two albums. Davis later pursued a solo project, eventually returning with a full band to release “Inside The Upside Down” in 2024. Mystic Force remain an influential name in US underground metal, known for ambitious songwriting, musical growth, and devoted craftsmanship across all formats they released.

Recommended if you like: Fates Warning, Crimson Glory, Helstar, Vicious Rumors, Queensrÿche, Liege Lord

Artist: Mystic Force
Title:  Take Command
Label: High Roller Records
Cat #: HRR977CD
Release Year: 2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed
Special attributes: Slipcase

Tracklist:
1. Take Command
2. Awakened by the Dawn
3. Immortal Souls
4. Silent but Deadly
5. Shipwrecked with the Wicked (1990 Demo)
6. Eternal Quest (1990 Demo)
7. Blind Vision (1988 Demo)
8. Dethroned (1988 Demo)
9. Dimensions (1990 Live Baltimore)
10. With Rank Comes Rule (1990 Live Baltimore)
11. Blind Vision (1990 Live Springfield)
12. Awakened by the Dawn (1990 Live Springfield)
13. Broken Heroes (1990 Live Springfield)
14. Eternal Guest (1990 Live Baltimore)
15.  Who Really Gives a F**k? (1988 Rehearsal Recording)