Soulwards

Like many European heavy metal bands of the early '00s, Germany's Mysterium produce melodic, but still very aggressive death metal, laid over grandiose, atmospheric backdrops. But though they imbue their powerful guitar attack with dense lyrical head trips, ambient touches, and synthesizer-produced orchestrations, the band's real strength lies in their shrewd incorporation of beautifully arranged piano chords to offset their more violent tendencies. Outrageously titled tracks like "Sirrah (Longing, Temptation, Fading, Sin)," and "Awaiting Thy Pentacle Aeon," are perfect examples of this ambition, blending these contrasts to great effect over their entire eight-minute lengths. This focused excellence doesn't always hold true from start to finish (particularly on the somewhat meandering "Sphereflight"), but there's nothing resembling a stinker to be found here either. Recommended for fans of challenging, forward-thinking heavy metal.