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Mysticum > In the Streams of Inferno > Reviews
Mysticum - In the Streams of Inferno

Black Metal Gets Industrialized - 95%

Slater922, March 21st, 2022
Written based on this version: 1996, CD, Full Moon Productions (Limited edition)

Black metal and industrial music seems like an odd mix, but when it's done right, it can be pretty great, and one of the first bands to do so was the Norwegian band Mysticum. Originally forming as Sabazios, they would release a couple of demos as well as do a split with Ulver before eventually releasing their debut album in 1996 titled "In the Streams of Inferno". And as far as first timers go, this album starts off industrial black metal on a really high note. Not only does it blend these two styles of music well, but it would also take some risks within those genres that make this release unique.

Let's start off with the instruments. The opening track "Industries of Inferno" starts things off with a dark industrial sound that echoes throughout the track, which is okay as far as industrial intros go. It then abruptly cuts to the next track "The Rest", where things suddenly explode in absolute chaos. The guitars play some simple, yet cold-sounding riffs that bring in distortion throughout the track. The drum machine also plays similar basic beat patterns that sound mechanic with its fake sound. And in the mist of it all, there's this noise that plays in the background that rings out the industrial style in most of the tracks. The overall atmosphere is a mix of chaos and darkness, which works amazing well in this particular track. Other instrumentals that execute this style well is "Let the Kingdom Come", "Wintermass", and "Where the Raven Flies". Wintermass in particular is easily my favorite song from Mysticum, as it leans more towards black metal, but still retains that industrial style that makes it stand out from the other tracks. While this unusual style of black metal does take a bit getting used to, those who get into it will be rewarded with some fantastic blackened industrial moments.

The vocals are also spectacular. Prime Evil and Cerastes team up to do the vocals, and they sound amazing. The vocals make up of mainly high-pitched shrieks that sound bestial in execution and have an insane personality in them, which I think sounds amazing. A great example of this would be in the track "Crypt of Fear". Here, there's a more mechanical tone within the composition, and Prime Evil and Cerastes reflect on this well with their feral shrieks ringing out throughout the track. Not only do these vocals flow through the chaotic instrumentals well, but their mix of shrieks and growls give the atmosphere a more evil and sinister tone that makes this track feel great in execution. The same can be said to pretty much every other track on this album, as the deranged vocals are fitting to this maddening atmosphere.

While this record might not be exactly perfect, for the first industrial black metal album, I think it's pretty solid. The instruments blend the styles of black metal and industrial music well, and the vocal performances of Prime Evil and Cerastes would only further execute the unsettling tone of the tracks. Mysticum won't release another album until nearly 20 years later, and while Planet Satan is a great album, it doesn't have the momentum that "In the Streams of Inferno" has. I highly recommend this album to those who want a mix of black metal and industrial music.

Ugly, industrial, grey, frantic....it's all here. - 100%

PhantomMullet, November 10th, 2011

If someone was interested in industrial black metal and I could only show them one album, In the Streams of Inferno would probably be that one album. It encompasses everything one might look for in industrial metal; it's frantic, ugly, mechanical, grey, and uneasy. After listening to a quiet, one minute introduction with only some percussion in the background, "The Rest" kicks in in full force with very machine-like and militaristic drumming, and distorted riffs to complement the aggressive tempo taking place. Vocals range from higher pitched shrieks to inhibited yells, drowned out by the rest of the music. Synths and samples occasionally fit in to add an extra dose of industrial terror.

That is the main formula for most of these songs, but the music is a bit more complex than that. Each track has its own set of smaller ideas that help differentiate them from the rest. After listening to this album, you'd be amazed at learning how versatile industrial black metal can really be. A good example is in "Crypt of Fear." The song starts with roughly 100 seconds of uncomfortable synths that paint an atmosphere of bleakness. Then, the heaviness and speeding drums pop in abruptly. This time, as opposed to higher shrieks, the vocals have a more yelling sound similar to what you'd find in some older thrash bands. They're catchy enough so you can "sing" along in your head. All of a sudden, the music slows down unexpectedly and the vocals revert back to the higher shrieks. The music is now bleaker than ever, showing a new shade of grey ugliness that Mysticum capitalizes so well on. It's an absolutely menacing song that will make you see how miserable this world really is!

On the other hand, "Wintermass" has a more moderate tempo, focusing a lot more on synths; however, the synths are hard to hear so you'll need to listen well. The music reminds me of something you'd hear in an old, abandoned factory that still produces...This track is also a great example of how influential the riffs are in making that atmosphere. The notes played are incredibly deep and foggy thanks to the unclear production. Again, there's a sense of misery and tension coming out of these tracks and the members of Mysticum really hit the nail on the head in accomplishing that ambience.

At the end of the day, there isn't too much more to say about In Streams of Inferno. It has everything that makes an industrial black metal album great and more! Even the cover art is cool - a blackened landscape being drenched by a storm-infested ocean. Nothing bright is to be found! I gaurantee you'll find something interesting about this album. Even if you thought industrial metal was lame in the past, or never really got into it, the guys behind Mysticum might be able to tell you otherwise. In Streams of inferno was(and still is) a one of a kind album that no doubt influenced many newer bands like Blacklodge and it didn't happen for no reason. Buy this album and you'll be please that you did.

“With my Master the Devil my Friend” - 94%

Apteronotus, June 16th, 2011

Aggression is such a common feature in metal that we often take for granted the value of musical violence. Mysticum’s “In the Streams of Inferno” is a special instance of aggression because of how well each part of the music forms into a cohesive whole, similar to how fingers form a fist. This album is a monument to industrial black metal and fans of black metal in general will not be disappointed.

The vocals here are incredibly harsh and savage even by black metal standards. High-pitched and reverb-saturated screeching permeates the album. For reference, think of Ihsahn’s vocals before “In the Nightside Eclipse”. Guitars likewise come across as inhuman, the standard tremolo picking of black metal is almost indiscernible because the high-gain, ultra-treble tone makes the notes fall seamlessly one after another. A chainsaw rips through wood by using many tiny blades acting as one.

Mysticum does more than just subject the listener to endless tremolo strumming. We are also given heavy palm muted riffs to complement the all ready pounding drums. If you can listen to this album without picturing rusty gears grinding above a raging lava flow, then you have no imagination. Speaking of drums, here we have a machine rather than a real drummer and this in no way detracts from the music. The drums’ empty mechanical nature fit the music just as aptly as Godflesh’s “Streetcleaner” did for that album. This more industrial-sounding style should be no problem for fans of Thorns or Samael. However, unlike Samael’s dance music period, “In the Streams of Inferno” is savage black metal through and through.

The synths and vocal samples give off a slight campy sci-fi feel, providing an excellent break for the otherwise unrelenting music. Take for example the best song off the album, “Crypt of Fear.” It opens with a long synth intro that walks on the proper side of the fine line in metal between cheesy and fantastic. After that, you are subjected to a blood curdling scream, dual vocal work, heart-pounding drumming, and that chainsaw guitar. Even the most hypnagogic of listeners will feel this album pulse through their arteries.

An additional reason for this album’s excellence is how the songs carry so much momentum. As the album progresses with each wave of notes over the pounding drum machine, you get a feeling of inevitability. Just as a song starts to get stale, other bands would throw in some filler. Mysticum, however, continue to deliver the goods by adding something interesting, such as light touch of synthesizer. “In the Streams of Inferno” closes with low rumbling, creepy piano, and unsettling yet angelic vocals. This pacing is perfect and serves as a cool down from the strenuous music that it follows. It is evocative of the album’s cover art because it sounds as if you are listening to the roaring of a river in hell, or perhaps “In the Streams of Inferno.”


Also, here are some extrinsic background reasons why Mysticum is awesome:

1.) Too tough to wear shirts in band photos.
2.) Angry message to fans on website illustrating a poor grasp of the English language and an excellent grasp of aggression.
3.) The band offers this release for free download on their website, so you have absolutely no excuse not to listen.


Originally written for: http://theoakconclave.blogspot.com/