CELESTIAL SEASON is a doom metal band from the Netherlands who formed way back in 1991.  After a lengthy hiatus, they returned in a big way with 2020's "The Secret Teachings." They continue their upward trajectory with not one, but two releases this year.  "Mysterium I," released in April, was an album that I praised in my review.  So how does "Mysterium II" measure up? The album tells me the band continues to grow in stature and they have much left to say.  This second part is just as good as part one, if not better.  Much like the first album, this one is forty minutes long although it has one less track. The approach and tone is also different.  I'm not saying they changed their sound (thankfully) but it is a different shade of their perpetual gray.

Whereas "Mysterium I" was a more direct, riff based album, "Mysterium II" is much more atmospheric and focused on weaving their doom magic in a more patient fashion.  I'm not saying this album doesn't drop the heavy hammer of doom (It does, trust me) but it just tackles it from a different point of view. The album begins with "The Divine Duty Of Servants," and like any good opening track provides, it lays down the basis for the album's overall sound and sets the tone immediately.  The riffs are heavy, low, and slow just like doom should be-almost funeral doom in their approach on this one.  The drums are tight within the slower tempo, providing a foundation that builds the stage for this funeral procession.  Deadly death growls mix with what sounds like brass instruments.  This band can basically do what they want and make it work well with their signature brand of gothic doom misery.

The lead guitar contrasts yet compliments the riffs as the song move forwards; even near the end with all the layers going at once, the song stays clear with its vision. "Tomorrow Mourning," is a somber piece in its opening moments but gives way to a  faster tempo of massive riffage and aggressive drums.  The song further weaves its magic throughout as these more aggressive moments intertwine with a gothic layer.  The spacey guitar near the end is a nice surprise, as are the solo and rhythmic riffs that arrive near the song's end. "Our Nocturnal Love," is an instrumental interlude-I normally have a problem with these kinds of tracks.  However, this one actually sounds good and makes sense in the grand scheme of the album.  It also perfectly bridges the first two tracks with the last three.

The next track is "In April Darkness," and its opening notes are classic doom like one would hear in the early 90's.  This is easily one of the best songs the band has ever done-it just has this classic gothic, elegant feel to it.  Can regal doom be a thing?  The guitars are sinister, the tone finds its way among the violin and cellos-the band always makes their various elements work. The last couple minutes of the song are sweeping and beautiful-a true display of the emotive power of doom metal. "The Sun The Moon And The Truth," is a slow burn but I wouldn't have it any other way.  The subtle clean keys and the filtered, ghostly vocals are a fine match for the heavy yet laid back music that pushes it all together.  After a pretty and somewhat cinematic mid section, the song turns towards much heavier waters but finds a way to bring in all the elements together near the end.

The final track is, "Pictures Of Endless Beauty- Copper Sunset," and is the longest song on the album at nine and a half minutes in length.  Every second is used to swirl their non-metal instruments in with the doom.  This song is truly intertwined, even more so than the others, with what this album is all about.  If any one element was removed from this song, it wouldn't give the whole picture .  I like the vocals on this one, often more of a spoken word than a true act of singing but the song calls for it. The notes all arrive at the same place for the last half of the song, ending the album with a full sound as only CELESTIAL SEASON can do. I have reviewed each album since their return and the simple fact is CELESTIAL SEASON are still riding their high while also managing to get better and better.  I don't know what the future holds for the band but I'm sure it will be every bit as engrossing as what has come  before.