On the strength of their 1992 demo and 1993 7” EP, Dutch death doom pioneers Mystic Charm entered Harrow Studios to record their first full length album. Released on the Belgian label Shiver Records (which was still in its infancy at the time but would put out dozens of releases over the next decade or so), “Shadows of the Unknown” is a doom-laden masterpiece of atmospheric death metal. Mystic Charm’s reputation and legacy have always been tied to the vocals of Rini Lipman. The gray, charcoal rasp of her voice adds a sinister quality, darkening the abysmal landscape conjured by the instrumentation while leaving intelligible the sullen and evocative lyrics, most of which were written by Lipman herself. The songs are composed from seamlessly stitched riffs that traverse the chasm between relentless death metal and haunting, melodic doom. Interspersed among the dense, swelling walls of guitars are subtly placed keyboards, whispered vocals, and acoustic guitars, adding a melancholic dimension to the tracks, all of which is braced by the mechanized precision of the drums. Compared with the band’s earlier recordings, the album is more tightly performed and produced. Mystic Charm went dormant following the 1996 release of “Shadows of the Unknown,” but reemerged in 2001 with the very limited “Hell Did Freeze Over” CDR, which featured a mixture of new and re-recorded material. This new double LP, featuring both “Shadows of the Unknown” and “Hell Did Freeze Over,” is the first official vinyl reissue of either recording.
- J. Campbell
credits
released December 15, 2021
Tracks 1-3b: "Endless Sickness"
Tracks 3c-4: "Hell Did Freeze Over"
supported by 7 fans who also own “Shadows of the Unknown”
One more outstanding band with Phil Tougas on a guitar. Modern and more brutal take on old school intricate prog tech-death (Cynic/Atheist) style. Very good album, with diverse moods, unexpected tempo changes, fantastic fretless bass work, lyrical interludes and other typical style's traits. Highly recommended Dmitry Nevozhay
supported by 6 fans who also own “Shadows of the Unknown”
I'd say Havukruunu is the rightful holder of the Crown and the mantle of Quorthon. Epic choirs, vikingesque themes and tales from the other times, of the Finnish paganism back in the days before our ancestors were brought to the cross and forced to kneel while feeling the bloody sword of saviour on their throats made to kiss the hand of murderers who burnt thousands, tore down our holy places and took our holy days. Eyes teary I listen to these songs, never forgiving the crimes of the cross! Peikonmieli
supported by 6 fans who also own “Shadows of the Unknown”
super duper good follow up to their first record, which is a modern death doom classic, here they went in a bit of a different and more ambitious direction joshuassites