Release Date November 6th, 2026
Format CD
Genre Progressive/Technical Death Metal
Origin Netherlands
Mystical Death is a Dutch progressive and technical death metal band formed in early 2024. Following their independently released debut EP, "Carnation", the band attracted the attention of Rottweiler Records, which reissued the EP with an additional track in 2025. Led by Mystic, responsible for the music, lyrics, instruments, programming, mixing, mastering and cover artwork, the band features David Diefenderfer on harsh vocals and Vixi Fox on clean female vocals. "Across" marks their first full length album, extending their approach to death metal through elaborate arrangements, shifting musical structures and contrasting vocal styles.
"Across" combines old school death metal aggression with intricate guitar patterns, shifting rhythms and progressive arrangements that demand close listening. "Apophenia" establishes the album's direction through sudden structural changes, while "Laniakea" explores contrasting musical textures and constantly changing instrumental interplay. "Empathy" introduces saxophone solos and smooth jazz elements alongside extreme vocals, a combination that adds another dimension to the album's musical language. "Thalassa" explores changing time signatures and varied vocal delivery, while "Kurtosis" pushes the arrangements into more fragmented territory.
The production separates the different instrumental layers sufficiently for the technical details to remain accessible, although the frequent structural shifts can make some sections difficult to absorb on an initial listen. The songwriting places considerable emphasis on complexity, instrumental precision and contrast, with lyrics written entirely by Mystic. Across its runtime, "Across" presents an ambitious interpretation of progressive death metal, combining technical musicianship with a range of stylistic influences. Its intricate construction offers substantial musical detail, although listeners who prefer a more straightforward approach to death metal may find its constant changes demanding.
|7.5
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