MYSTICISM BLACK have been around since 2002, but their last full-length was in 2006. It seems the addition of a new drummer in 2014 might have sparked the band's newest release, titled "Return of the Bestial Flame," which contains six tracks. "Black Fire Séance" opens the album, with a lot of atmosphere and some ominous drum beats, and some satanic vocals. It segues into "Return of the Bestial Flame," which is a fourteen-minute beast. A fairly traditional Black Metal sound ensues with raging vocal screams and a main riff. But I appreciate the background ambiance...it gives the song a harrowing quality. The riff shifts a bit with a powerful sound, as if they are looking to dominate the world. The sound drops at about the half-way mark, with eerie guitars and keys. The song returns with vengeance after the eerie passage.

"The Black never Dies" opens with eerie keys, and the feeling that something wicked this way comes. It builds from there into a terrifying experience. The vocals contrast nicely with the keys...a sort of yin and yang if you will. The sound drops again around the half-way mark, to the steady thudding of drums. Again, the sound returns with renewed vigor. "My Lord" is a shorter track that is fast and aggressive out of the gates. It settle into a groove of horrid vocals and ritualistic killing. "The Blade Unsheathed" opens with some funky electronica...an unexpected but welcomed sound for a Black Metal album. But the fury comes fairly quickly after that. The vocals and drums rage with thunder, as the electronica stays in the background. The song has a depressing quality overall, urging you to go find the noose.

"Glory beyond Life (Power beyond Death)" closes the album. It opens with a graceful entrance, before the filth of the vocals of Black Metal taints the song. This is a simple but very unique and effective song here that carries with it the weight of the world, in a way that intrigues you and leaves you with more questions than answers. Overall, this existential experience was transformative, and the band didn't miss a beat after not being in the game for 13 years. They crafted a highly intelligent album here, working in various elements to give each song a different flavor. Definitely recommend this album for fans of the genre.