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I've always liked Germany's Mob Rules, from their early career double-kick Power Metal (I foolishly gave Temple of Two Suns a 3/5 when I first started reviewing for The Metal Crypt; it deserves a lot higher) to the more mature Melodic Metal of later albums. 2016 brings us Tales from Beyond and it isn't often a band brings all their strengths together in one package like this. Riffs upon riffs, smooth melodies and catchy choruses literally spill out of the speakers all the way through the album. "Dykemaster's Tale" is a brilliant opener, just fast enough without resorting to blinding speed and with some wonderfully colorful storytelling. Tasteful folk elements spice up "Somerled" while "The Healer" and "Dust of Vengeance" are Power Metal corkers, plain and simple. Mob Rules gives us a long "epic" but smartly breaks up "A Tale from Beyond" into three distinct tracks that don't feel as daunting yet still convey a dark and desperate atmosphere. The band closes the album with a fine re-recording of "Outer Space" from Temple of Two Suns which, by virtue of being heavier and grittier, is actually a bit better than the original. If I had to pick nits I would say the "A Tale from Beyond" trilogy is a bit baggy and slow in the middle but that's about all I can come up with. Other than that, Tales from Beyond is an hour of Power Metal ear candy, making it the early leader for 2016 album of the year in the category.