Sacred Talisman (Ita)

After forming as a heavy three-piece in 1990 by guitarist and then vocalist Fredrik Mannberg under the trademark Necronomic, the Umea-based band constantly developed towards melodic and harmony-influenced metal. In course of time their style of music transformed into 100% true metal and in the fall of 1993 Nocturnal Rites saw the release a promotion cassette unveiling the new direction which gained them the attention of Dark Age Music (Christofer Johnsson of Therion's label). Before they released Nocturnal Rite's debut album, In A Time Of Blood And Fire, in late '95, originator Fredrik Mannberg decided to concentrate on being just a guitarist so that newly recruited vocalist Anders Zackrisson (ex-Gotham City) could step in as frontman. Again, the band went through some changes, but when their line-up was finally complete, Nocturnal Rites felt the urge to work on new material. For the final product, Tales Of Mystery And Imagination, twelve songs were recorded, offering every true metal fan a musical firework of duelling guitars, catchy leads and stunningly moving rhythms. To even strengthen their reputation Nocturnal Rites went on tour with metal gods Overkill, as well as labelmates Nevermore and Angel Dust. Right after they returned home and gained fresh input by their new mate Owe Lingvall (drums) and now full member Matthias Bernhardsson (keyboards) they immediately started to write new songs for their latest masterpiece of Swedish steel, The Sacred Talisman, which was recorded at Tonteknik studio in their hometown of Umea.