Mystifier "T.E.A.R. (The Evil Ascension Returns) + Aleister Crowley" CD

Co-release with Sudaca Records and Warfuck Records limited 500 copies

‘The Evil Ascension Returns’ is Mystifier’s second recording, and it documents some minor elements of progression since they released their first demo one year prior. However, it is still very much in the vein of ‘Tormenting the Holy Trinity’, as everything that made that demo so great is present here, but just in a slightly more refined form. This refinement however does not detract at all from the band’s raw, bestial savagery, as they are still making sloppy, barbaric black/death the way it was being done back then.
But as I said, these refinements are indeed minor. The first thing you’ll notice is the improvement of the production. That’s because the band probably had a bigger budget and a label backing them up this time. But make no mistake – it’s still raw as fuck. But like the demo, the leveling is definitely in check and there are no instruments dominating the mix, so the rawness isn’t a deterring factor at all.
Another notable, albeit minor, change is in Meugninousouan’s (try to sound that fucker out) vocals. They are definitely lower then on ‘Tormenting...’, which works in the band’s favor, and is one step closer to what we would see on the following two releases. They have a bit of reverb on them which always helps, and adds a caverous element to the mix. The guitar also has a meatier sound, as opposed to the demo which was really thin. I wouldn’t say the riffing has changed, because both of the songs on here are re-workings of the songs “Mystifer” and “Christian Prosciption” from the preceding demo, but the actual playing itself certainly has gotten a little better. The same thing can be applied to the bass too, as it is also meatier as well as tighter, but the riffing obviously is the same as the demo. But the drums, just like the vocals, is where the more noticeable change lies. A better miking and mixing job leaves the previous cardboard-sounding pitter patter of the drum sound on ‘Tormenting...’ and almost gives them the recording they deserve. The playing itself has gotten tighter, especially in the blasting department, which of course does wonders for the overall force of the music, but again, not really by much.
This 7” marks a pivotal point in the band’s career, as well as brings the band closer to what would later be achieved on ‘Wicca. So if you want to hunt this gem down and snag a copy for your own collection, then you better have a decently sized disposable income (that, or just a damn good tradelist). But, if you want to take the easier path, then I suggest just going all out and buying the mighty ‘Baphometic Goat Worship’ boxset (assuming you have a turntable). It really is everything an ’89-’93 era-Mystifier fan would want, and more.

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