Mystifier: Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia (2019)

Brazil's mighty Mystifier has been around for a LONG time.  Though they released their first demo in 1989, they have only released five full-length albums.  In fact, this is their first full-length album since 2001.  Nevertheless, they do not seem to have broken up at any point, though there has only been one long-lasting member.  Beelzeebubth has been the only consistent member, with a revolving door for the other members of the band.

Mystifier's sound is pure, unadulterated evil.  It is a very dark and ominous album that alternates between doomy atmosphere and high-octane Venom-ous riffs.  It is an incredibly dynamic album for a black/death metal release, with impressive songwriting and razor-sharp riffs, while the vocalists growl and wail over the maelstrom.  When the band is not shredding, they utilize creepy organs and chanted vocals in attempts to summon demons.  There is a lot of chemistry between the individual musicians, resulting in an incredibly tight and punishing album.

This is an incredible album that only gets better every time I hear it.  I am honestly not overly familiar with Mystifier's back catalog, but after coming out blown away by this release, I am planning to get into their previous material.  There is a reason that Mystifier is among the pantheon of essential Brazilian extreme metal bands.  Simply put, this album is incredible.  This album is a possible contender for Album of the Year.