From their EPK, “Let's go back a quarter of a century to the year 2000: MYSTIC CIRCLE were at their peak at the time after the release of their third studio epic “Infernal Satanic Verses” and were rightly regarded as Germany's leading black metal band. In the summer after the turn of the millennium, the Ludwigshafen based band followed up with the five-track EP “Kriegsgötter II,” a compilation of cover versions and new recordings. However, the founding line-up also broke up during this phase and A. Blackwar left the band. Only his return in 2020 and the reunion with vocalist Beelzebub conjured up the spirit of that time again, resulting in the two great new records “Mystic Circle” (2022) and “Erzdämon” (2023), closing the infamous circle (or pentagram?) again. Now in 2025, “Kriegsgötter MMXXV” will be released.

“One Rode to Asa Bay” is the first cut, and it’s a nine-minute opus, beginning with acoustical guitars that segue to a distorted riff. The pace is slow at first, and the vocals are very scratchy. There are some light symphonic elements in the background as well. Much of the song is weighted with a deep sorrow. “Die Götter der Urväter” features some eerie keyboards in the opening sequence but quickly dives head first into powerful riffs and a faster pace. Although the sound is somber, the riffs are distinct, which is unusual in the genre. “Azazel’s Soulfly” features some nifty piano work with light orchestration, and the band is showcasing their versatility. The mood shifts from solemn to tense. “Cry Little Sister” is the theme from The Lost Boys movie, and their interpretation is unique. You almost can’t tell what the song is until the chorus.

“Afraid to Shoot Strangers” is an IRON MAIDEN cover, and it sounds a lot like the original, of course with the band’s flair. You can hear the melody line, but from there, it is a blackened rendition of the song. “Death Metal” is a full on assault of the senses, especially with the maddening drum pace. The vocals cut like razors, and the riffs like a surgical knife, leaving very little blood behind. “Acheron” is a medley of sorts, and it almost has jovial sounds…almost. During these fleeting moments, it’s almost as if the band is just toying with the listeners. “Circle of the Tyrants” is the final song, and it has a distinct groove…almost like a blackened PANTERA. Overall, the album is a varied testament to the band’s longevity. They could have taken the easy way out, and just presented another tribute to the FWOBM, but these guys are crafty, and they have managed to stay out of the weeds than ensnare many of their peers.