Mystigma are back to pour their signature dark melancholy into new forms with "Bete," their sixth studio album. The Osnabrück band compares itself to "a fine wine that gains in aroma and quality with age." The 6 "Bete" tracks on the new album certainly lend themselves to this charming comparison. Disturbing and frighteningly introductory, before then launching into a brutally violent sound, the opening track "Schockraum" defines the new identity of a dark sonic cosmos right from the start.

The following epic, sacred-sounding "Wie ein Gebet" (Like a Prayer) is representative of the new work, with catchy hooks, deep guitars and an overall extremely dense soundscape, which unfolds its full effect not least through the targeted use of strings, grand piano and organ.

The balancing act between deep, dark rock and electronic music is demonstrated by songs like the experimental yet simultaneously thrilling "Erlösung" or the dark, ballad-like "Charon," which, with its oriental, cinematic instrumentation, creates a very unique sound atmosphere. In general, the four musicians focus more than ever on a mature, authentic mood, representing a highly distinctive dark rock cocktail full of passion and dedication.

As a tribute to times gone by, the quartet concludes with the gothic-influenced “Sacrificed”, a cover version of the legendary former Swedish death metal band Edge of Sanity.

The heart chord, inspired by Patrick Süskind's "Perfume," lyrically represents the basis of the lyrics: 12 prayers written in German that neither praise nor glorify, but accuse and provide deep insights into personal, foreign, and social abysses, longings, and fears.

Supported by background singer Tina Frank (including Eisbrecher), album No. 6 sets new accents in many ways that suit the foursome well and thus give the band a new and fine touch.

The album, which was entirely self-produced in the band's own studio and mixed and mastered by Dennis Mikus (among others Letzte Instanz), impresses with a warm, organic and powerful sound.

Arousing, accusatory, melodious, tender and brutal, Mystigma continues on their path down the dark paths and takes you on prayers into a labyrinth of darkness.