Mystic Circle (Black Metal)

Mystic Circle is one of Germany's most popular Black Metal bands, Mystic Circle was formed at the tail end of 1992 in Ludwigshafen by the colorfully named Graf von Beelzebub (bass/vocals) and his partner in crime, Aaarrrgon (drums). 1993's Dark Passion was the first of three demo tapes which, over the next few years, helped spread the band's satanic gospel in the German black metal underground with 1994's demo "Von Kriegern und Helden". Three 1996 EPs (one, a split with fellow Teutonic terrors Blood) led up to their full-length debut with 1996's Morgenroete-der Schrei Nach Finsternis, also featuring guitarists Mephisto and Agamidion. But they were soon gone, replaced by Isternos and Ezpharess, who along with Baalsulgorr (keyboards) contributed to Mystic Circle's European breakthrough, 1998's concept album Drachenblut. Extensive touring with Scandinavian black metal masters Marduk and Old Man's Child followed, and after a few major festival appearances, the band recorded what many still consider their masterpiece, 1999's Infernal Satanic Verses. Featuring guest vocals from Sarah Jezebel Diva, the album saw the band's ambitious brand of symphonic black metal fully realized, but their will was soon tested by the departure of founder Aaarrrgon and Isternos who made his exit a short time later. Forced to use a drum machine for much of the ensuing tour, the band finally found a (reportedly) human replacement in Raziel, who joined in time to perform on 2001's The Great Beast. New drummer Necrodaemon was added in december 2001 MYSTIC CIRCLE played the No Mercy-festivals and an European tour with Marduk. The following album "Damien"(2002) brought the band the ultimate drummer with young Necrodemon, the 22-year old raw diamond gave the trio the last kick. "Damien" was also surely followed by a tour with Deicide. With their new, sixth album "Open the Gates of Hell" the band shows an immense progress, technically lightyears ahead of their early releases. Merciless black metal tracks meet superheavy, doomy riffs, who are very influenced by traditional metal. A great variety of songs found their way on the new album and the eight smashers mark the way best album of the band so far. The album was produced perfectly heavy and powerful by well-known producer Gerhard Magin and with "Wings of Death" the satanic trio even got an potential club hit coming up, which will be celebrated by the black community!.a