"Unter Wölfen" is the fifth studio album by the quartet, formed since 2005 under the name Mystigma, consisting of brothers Torsten (vocals) and Jörg Bäumer (guitar, keys). Flanked by Stephan Richter (bass) and Malte Hagedorn (drums), the creative duo retreated to their own studio for a few months to open a new chapter in Mystigma's history. Reflecting on their own preferences and roots, which have always been characterized by a much-quoted melancholy and gloom, the band created "Unter Wölfen," a twelve-song album that must undoubtedly be considered the highlight of the foursome's discography to date. The foundation and focus of the new output is once again T. Bäumer's always recognizable vocals, which have a unique character and inimitably convey the album's message, once again written entirely in German.
In addition to personal experiences and observations, there is - and this is new - an increasingly socially critical note in the lyrics. Sometimes leaving room for interpretation, at other times direct and uncompromising, they do not shy away from penetrating painful abysses. Because in a society that is increasingly changing and is not only becoming more brutal, more than a few of us feel "among wolves". Whether it is driving gothic metal smashers like the opener "Gegeschriebenen in Blut", mystical oriental dark rock anthems with a pop aura ("Dreh dich um", "Verlorene Zeit") or the almost traditional Mystigma homage to the 80s ("Neptun´s Mond"), the band proves itself more mature and diverse than ever. With "Colonia Dignidad" they also venture into unexpected, almost progressive-morbid sound structures, thus raising their own sound spectrum to new levels in a surprising way.
Finally, they brought on board an excellent guest musician, Bennie Cellini (Letzte Instanz), who shines with beautiful cello interludes on three tracks. "Unter Wölfen" is thus an authentic and experience-based statement that embodies the band's own commitment to always staying true to themselves while simultaneously constantly evolving. Produced entirely by themselves this time and mixed and mastered by Dennis Mikus at Horrisonus Studio Witten, "Unter Wölfen" impresses with its energetic and warm sound, thus underscoring the highly individual and recognizable artistic distinctiveness that Mystigma has developed over the years.
01 Written in Blood
02 Coma
03 Turn around
04 Traces of War
05 Empty Words
06 Neptune's Moon
07 Among Wolves
08 Superbia
09 Hydra
10 Colonia Dignidad
11 Lost Time
12 Desdemona
