Mystic

10 Jun

Mystic are a progressive metal band from Amsterdam, Netherlands. They have published one instrumental album "Grace" in 2011 that, without any promotion whatsoever, was picked up by review website Invisible Oranges and awarded co-winner instrumental tech death album of the year.

After a long hiatus it published an EP "Symbiocene" in 2022 that saw various vocals being added, including screams, clean and vocoder. Its style is difficult to pinpoint, but progressive for sure.

Think of an amalgamation of Cynic, Between The Buried And Me and Pain Of Salvation and you're getting the idea. They are currently recording a new EP that will see a more modern sound mixed with a more thrashy approach, but definitely keeping the progressive heart.

THE EMOTION IS RAW

We checked out their Ep ‘Symbiocene’ which is available on bandcamp. (Link at the bottom of the page).

The title track kicks us off with a death metal sound that makes its appearance throughout the EP. The track then heads in an unusual direction with electronic music, voiceovers more screams then ending with an almost operatic sound. This track really was unpredictable but as it ended we were keen to hear more.

The second track on the EP ‘forgive me’ masterfully displays the emotional connection Mystic want their fans to feel with their music. The guitar in this track is outstanding. The mix of ‘children of bodom’ like metal with the beautiful melodic guitar parts make for a complex but clever listening experience.

The lyrics depict someone living in deep regret.

Excerpt ‘You deserved so much better than my selfish ways. We could have lived, a live in paradise. It took your deaths, to open my eyes. If I could turn back time I, would, not, fail you again’

‘Superluminal’ focuses more on catchy riffs and thunderous drums. Although a more recognisable style of metal, the unusual guitar licks and timing make this another complex piece of music. It really catches you off guard.

THE GUITAR IS MESMERIZING

What distinguishes ‘Mystic’ and their EP ‘Symbiocene’ is the complex mix of musical genres.. ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ is often the case in these situations but Mystic make it work well.

The final track ‘el nihilo’ once again stuns with a mix of instruments. We have the heavy screaming metal that is continuous throughout the EP but added are clean vocals, piano, acoustic guitar and a shredding guitar solo. Somehow it does work!

OUR RATING:

🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

OUR CONCLUSION:

"Mystic" produced an EP with ‘Symbiocene’ that is really heartfelt and raw. Although at times the EP feels almost like an experiment, we are looking forward to their new release and are curious to see how the new ‘thrash’ element will develop their sound.