MYSTIC CIRCLE
"Infernal
Satanic Verses" (WW III / Mercenary Musick; 2001)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Germany's Mystic Circle is well known in European black metal circles, but is not so well known here in the United States. Obviously using Dimmu Borgir's classic "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" as a blueprint, Mystic Circle unleashes hell on earth in the form of "Infernal Satanic Verses" (at least that's what my ears are telling me).
Mystic Circle has already released three demos, many singles, and four CDs previous to "Infernal Satanic Verses." Mystic Circle's brand of pagan black metal features many facets including blistering guitar work, gothic keyboards, a steady rhythm section, and a variety of vocals.
Melody prevails throughout the one intro and seven tracks. The band uses imaginative songwriting to avoid strict comparisons to other bands in the black metal genre. Each song can almost be viewed as a mini-epic of sorts that reaches into the dark side of life.
The production on "Infernal Satanic Verses" is well-above average for a black metal CD. The clarity is striking and allows the listener to hear the many shades of black in Mystic Circle's blasphemous hymns.
Fans of melodic black metal would be wise to check Mystic Circle's "Infernal Satanic Verses" out.
Mystic Circle's corpse-painted maniacs are Graf von Beelzebub on vocals and bass, Ezpharres on guitars, and Abyss on drums. Various others contribute keyboards and female vocals.
For more information visit http://www.mystic-circle.de.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:00 -0500.
