Shadows Ground "Mysteria Mystica Calvus Mons" CD

Released Between Schattenkult Produktionen and Hexencave Produktionen. CD limited 666 copies is Handnumbered.

The fourth album of these possessed blasphemers hailing from cold moors of Ukraine. Almost 50 minutes of Orthodox and Underground Black Metal dealing with sorcery, death and primary satanism. Their best album so far without any doubts. Highly recommended for fans of bands such as Mare, Sortilegia, early Behexen, One Tail One Head...etc.

Two years after their third full length „Phantom of Dead Star” from 2011 Ukrainian black metal warriors Shadows Ground had been back with album number four, simply titled “Mysteria Mystica Calvus Mons”. Beside the title track there are some other strangely named songs like e.g. “Under Black Wings of Malak al-Maut” or “Glossolalia Diabolus”. Otherwise we are talking about a rock solid release, combining elements of traditional black metal from both the first and second wave, and some of the sprawling harmonies of what is tagged as atmospheric black metal these days
These lads surely know how to get the blood pumping and the mind drifting away. Etching sorrowful melodies out of the haze, Shadows Ground create surprisingly melodic and beautiful melodies across the vast sonic landscapes of “Mysteria Mystica Calvus Mons”. The howls of the vocals wail mournfully beneath the moving passages and long-form builds, the drums pulsing mid-tempo runs and blasts beneath much of the melodious passages.
The main riffs are pretty traditional, and innovation surely is something Shadows Ground cannot be accused of. However, if you are like me and don’t care about innovation when it comes to music and are instead looking for something that is going to transport you straight back into the late nineties/early noughties this album will give you the chills. If the guys told me they have never heard a record by Immortal, Darkthrone etc. I would call them liars. However, they do not hide the passion and respect for their heroes, wearing their influences on visible for anyone on their sleeves.
There is a certain level of aggressiveness and bleakness, but that does not mean that some of the harmonies and melodies presented here aren’t captivating. This is one of the albums that remind fans of this music why well-done black metal can be one of the most fascinating genres. Compared to “Phantom of the Dead Star” you can hear a certain evolution, with the songs being constructed tighter and coming straight to the point, without sacrificing some of the more extended build-ups and moody parts.
The production has also improved, being more transparent while keeping the primal rawness and directness. Once again you get a classic cover artwork, making the physical version a great addition to the collection.

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