Artist: Mystic Veil
Country: USA
Label: Altare Productions
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2024
After the one-track ‘What Misery Thou Art Fallen’-demo from 2022 and a split tape with one of their other bands (Erstwhile) the American duo that together make up Mystic Veil releases this debut full-length album. Although I initially missed out on the split tape, I was already enamored with that 20-minute first demo, so while I already had an idea of what to expect the fact that the revered Altare Productions signed up for the release of the album was another sign of good things to come.
First thing that strikes is that ‘Hang Low The Millstone’ has the almost identical sound as its two preceding recordings, meaning that Mystic Veil has been sailing an incredible consistent musical course over their few-years existence. But, why changing a great formula?
Musically, for those who missed out on the band completely, the basic fundamentals of Mystic Veil are Raw and Lo-Fi Black Metal and a very spooky production, together culminating into a whirling piece of otherworldly sort of Black Metal in which the demented and totally deranged vocals play a significant role. The harsh sonic framework seems to somehow built to complement the tortured vocals, as if it was a shrine for the exorcism of this tormented soul. If you prefer some less flamboyant and symbolic words and rather go for some old school comparison: you can imagine ‘Hang Low The Millstone’ to sound like a jam session between both Black Cilice and Candelabrum. It isn’t easy to match the vocal hysteria, but you could add a dash of Sanguine Relic and Orgy Of Carrion for good measure.
Basically built on those typical Portuguese cornerstones of Raw and Lo-Fi Black Metal, the Americans of Mystic Veil do know their craft, as below those –at first glance- impenetrable layers of noise guitars, static drums and vitriolic vocals there is an unmistakable craftsmanship when it comes to song writing as well as a impeccable sense for atmosphere. If you were into the band before, this is an album that is not to be missed, and if you are new to the band: get your hands on one of those 100 hand-numbered cassette tapes to get involved in the revelry.
