Nocturnal Rites - The Sacred Talisman (1999)

Nocturnal Rites' third album is more straightforward and vigorous power metal with fantasy indulgences. In a way, there's something nondescript about these Swedes - they don't do enough to really stand out from the growing crowd, and they can be a bit samey, but, at the same time, they're quite disarming, and the passion for what they do is obvious.
With highlights including "Ride On", "Free At Last", "When Fire Comes To Ice" and "Glorious", this record remains enjoyable enough to be worthwhile.

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