Aggression is such a common feature in metal, that we often take for granted the value of musical violence. Mysticum’s “In the Streams of Inferno” is a special instance of aggression because of how well each part of the music forms into a cohesive whole, similar to how fingers form a fist. This album is a monument to industrial black metal, and fans of black metal in general will not be disappointed.
The vocals here are incredibly harsh and savage, even by black metal standards. High pitched and reverb saturated screeching permeates the album; for reference, think of Ihsahn’s vocals before “In the Nightside Eclipse.” Guitars likewise come across as inhuman, the standard tremolo picking of black metal is almost indiscernible because the high-gain ultra-treble tone makes the notes fall seamlessly, one after another. A chainsaw rips through wood by using many tiny blades acting as one.
Mysticum does more than just subject the listener to endless tremolo strumming, we are also given heavy palm muted riffs to complement the all ready pounding drums. If you can listen to this album without picturing rusty gears grinding above a raging lava flow, then you have no imagination. Speaking of drums, here we have a machine rather than a real drummer, and this in no way detracts from the music. The drums’ empty mechanical nature fit the music just as aptly as Godflesh’s “Streetcleaner” did for that album. This more industrial sounding style should be no problem for fans of Thorns, or Samael. However, unlike Samael’s dance music period, “In the Streams of Inferno” is savage black metal through and through.
The synths and vocal samples give off a slight campy sci-fi feel, which provides an excellent break for the otherwise unrelenting music. Take for example the best song off the album, “Crypt of Fear.” It opens with a long synth intro that walks on the proper side of the fine line in metal between cheesy and fantastic. After that, you are subjected to a blood curdling scream, dual vocal work, heart-pounding drumming, and that chainsaw guitar. Even the most hypnagogic of listeners will feel this album pulse through their arteries.
An additional reason for this album’s excellence is how the songs carry so much momentum. As the album progresses with each wave of notes over the pounding drum machine, you get a feeling of inevitability. Just as a song starts to get stale, other bands would throw in some filler. Mysticum however, continues to deliver the goods by adding something interesting, such as light touch of synthesizer. “In the Streams of Inferno” closes with low rumbling, creepy piano, and unsettling yet angelic vocals. This pacing is perfect and serves as a cool down from the strenuous music that it follows. It is evocative of the album’s cover art because it sounds as if you are listening to the roaring of a river in hell, or perhaps “In the Streams of Inferno.”
Also, here are some extrinsic background reasons why Mysticum is awesome:
1.) Too tough to wear shirts in band photos. See above picture for reference.
2.) Angry message to fans on website illustrating a poor grasp of the English language and an excellent grasp of aggression. "Mysticum are representing total destruction." See http://www.mysticum.com/
3.) The band offers this release for free download on their website, linked above, so you have absolutely no excuse not to listen.
cool review, you touch on a lot of the things that define good black metal (and oldschool Norse shit in particular). mysticum is sick and definitely deserves more love.
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