Mystic Circle - Mystic Circle (2022)

Just like no time has passed since their last release…sixteen years ago, Germany’s Mystic Circle returns with their explosive brand of Melodic Black/Death Metal. With their eponymous release, the band continues their journey unleashing nearly 50 minutes of high-octane music. For the uninitiated, this band was torching stages with their unique sound back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s before splitting up for quite a while.

There is a certain charm to the sound behind those legendary late 90’s early 2000’s Melodic Black/Death Metal releases from bands like Catamenia, Agathodaimon, Siebenbürgen, Old Man's Child, etc, and this release perfectly captures it as “Belial Is My Name” delivers its first notes. The melodic nature of pieces like “Seven Headed Dragon” and “Letters from the Devil”, give that devilish sinister vibe the band has imprinted in their early releases.

Filled with bangers like “the Arrival of Baphomet”, “Curse of the Wolf Demon” and the symphonic “Darkness in Flames”, this release delivers the perfect balance of melody and aggression, thanks to superb drumming and incisive guitar work. Our personal favorite has to be the blistering “Satanic Mistress” and its in-your-face attitude, delivers waves of melancholic aggression.

As a whole, “Mystic Circle” is the band’s strongest offering to date. Paired with modern production values and additional maturity, Graf von Beelzebub and Aaarrrgon completely elevate the band’s music to new heights. If you like retro/old-school Melodic Black/Death Metal with a splash of modern shine, this release will certainly make you dig out the band’s older catalogo.

Label: Atomic Fire Records

Release: February 4th, 2022

Genre: Melodic Death/Black Metal

Country: Germany