Artist: Mystic Circle
Country: Germany
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Formats: LP / CD
Year: 2025
‘Hexenbrand 1486’ is already the fourth Mystic Circle album since their unexpected return in 2021 and the tenth album overall. The previous three albums and the partially revised “Kriegsgötter” from earlier this year have demonstrated that the two gentlemen behind the band are clearly enthusiastic again. And although A. Blackwar (Aaarrrgon) and Graf von Beelzebub are now past their 50s and no longer seek controversy as they did during their 90s releases, their band has not fundamentally changed. The attentive listener will have noticed that the previous three albums were somewhat of a search for a definitive new sound. After hearing ‘Hexenbrand 1486’, it seems safe to say that they have found it.
When we want to place that new sound in the context of the older records, it largely falls between ‘Dragonslayer’ (1998) and ‘Infernal Satanic Verses’ (1999). This implies that anyone who did not appreciate their previous work would be better off avoiding this album as well. However, enthusiasts of somewhat simplistic, catchy, melodic, and slightly symphonic Black Metal will likely enjoy this latest release from the duo. Simplistic may have somewhat negative connotations, but in this case it simply refers to Mystic Circle’s compositional style. It is not particularly ingenious, and you will not be surprised by unexpected twists or other forms of adventurism. It is easy to listen to and requires practically no cognitive effort on the part of the listener.
Like the band’s entire oeuvre, ‘Hexenbrand 1486’ is an album that colourfully describes all kinds of satanic and horror themes. The title of the album refers to the Malleus Maleficarum, the infamous book written by Heinrich Kramer in 1486. It describes the best and most efficient way to get rid of witches, heretics and blasphemers using the most horrific methods of torture. This is, of course, not exactly a new subject within the metal genre, but this LP comes with a booklet (part 1?), a kind of comic, that tells the story of Heinrich Kramer. However, there are also more classic horror stories about, for example, Jack the Ripper and the boogeyman. In short, in this respect, it is what you might call a classic Mystic Circle album.
Although I generally prefer a slightly grittier style of metal, I’ve always had a soft spot for Mystic Circle, especially ‘Dragonslayer’ is an album I used to listen to a lot. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I often like underdogs, and the much-hated Mystic Circle is certainly an example of that. But now that I’ve listened to ‘Hexenbrand 1486’ a good few times, I can conclude that this tenth studio album is another one that I enjoy playing. It may not be particularly profound, but it’s a great record to put on while you’re doing other things. Without comparing Mystic Circle to McDonalds, not everything has to be haute cuisine all the time; sometimes it can just be nice, simple entertainment.
