Wicked Mystic, the sole warriors of an almost non-existent Dutch thrash metal scene. Yes, you heard it right, this Dutch band does not play death metal or ‘oh-so-popular’ black metal, but melodic thrash metal that reminds strongly of the American thrash bands of glory. Listening to “Lithium” awakens those long hidden and dormant nostalgic feelings, which bands like Sanctuary, Metal Church, Fates Warning and Death Angel managed to awaken so long ago! The average listener will, unfortunately, again label this band as power metal but the whole aura of this album is undeniably more old school thrash metal, and in that way maybe comparable to bands like Iced Earth and Nevermore. But describing “Lithium” simply as melodic thrash metal, however, is not right. No, definitely not. The aforementioned old school thrash bands might influence Wicked Mystic’s music but “Lithium” is more! It is wrapped in a veil of modernism; creating a very powerful but yet melodic thrash metal album, which on the one hand draws its inspiration from the legacy of the long lost thrash days of glory while on the other hand it manages to retain its own identity.

The level of variation on this album is simply amazing, from fast aggressive thrash oriented songs like “Warhorse” to melancholic ballads like “The Reverie” to more melodic heavy metal oriented songs like “Hollow Phrase”. One thing all the songs however have in common is an undeniably catchy feeling that just sweeps you along. Remko Hoes’ excellent vocals make this album really shine; his vocals are at the same time aggressive and melodic, but most of all sincere and full of feeling. Add to that a super heavy sound and you can only conclude that “Lithium” is a superb album!