Returning from the abyss of time, Germanys duo Mystic Circle release their first full length since 2006, a self-titled release that pays homage to the style of the nineties bought blasphemously back to life.
Literally beginning with the riff that ended their last album The Bloody path of God, Mystic Circle is loud, thunderous, and gloriously unsubtle. Take Satanic Mistress and The Arrival of Baphomet, the intent is the titles, the music draws heavily from mid-nineties mainstream Black metal, full of theatrics, samples, and moody atmospheric intros that accompany the hellish growls, screams, and memorable vocal lines of Beelzebub.
The solos are rip-roaring and as full of hellfire and venom this album is, it feels like there should be …. more! The production is faultless, and the crunch of the guitars is tangible, yet it feels restrained at times when it should be swinging from the fences.
“Seven Headed Dragon” and its symphonic elements are great with hidden female vocals and ‘Darkness in Flames’ combines technical with the orchestral and it’s all accomplished. Yet at times the rhythms feel a little repetitive. Its great melodic black metal when it should be glorious unholy black metal, a little empty when the abyss should be full of hate.
It is so loyal to the nineties influenced sound it almost holds them back
Hells Demon Rising is great as is their fantastic version Of Possessed’s Death Metal. Mystic Circle is energetic and musically accomplished.
A great record for Dimmu and Cradle fans and those whole love deathened black metal that can appeal to all metalheads!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Belial Is My Name
02. Seven Headed Dragon
03. Hell Demons Rising
04. Letters From The Devil
05. Darkness In Flames
06. The Arrival Of Baphomet
07. Curse Of The Wolf Demon
08. Satanic Mistress
Bonus Track (CD-digipak only!)
09. Death Metal (POSSESSED Cover)
Mystic Circle: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Atomic Fire Records
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Sparky
