German black/death metal duo Mystic Circle are back with another dose of evil, theatrical flair, historical horror, and synth-drenched darkness. Their upcoming tenth studio album, Hexenbrand 1486, drops October 31 via ROAR, which feels appropriately timed — because who doesn’t want to celebrate Halloween with plague-era misogyny and extreme metal?
Following their 2021 reunion, founding members A. Blackwar and Beelzebub have shown no signs of mellowing with age. After the self-titled Mystic Circle in 2022 and 2023’s Erzdämon, the duo now close out this unholy trilogy with what they describe as a “journey through time” — both musically and historically. According to the band, every track on Hexenbrand 1486 could be a single, which either means they’ve created a collection of standout songs… or they’re simply very confident. Either way, we respect the ambition.
Their brand new single, “Ghost of Whitechapel,” is out now, complete with a music video. It explores the story of Jack the Ripper — told from the Ripper’s point of view, because of course it is. Beelzebub explains the track was heavily inspired by From Hell (the graphic novel, not the Johnny Depp film — don’t worry), and based on research into Ripper lore, including his alleged letters and whispered monologues. And yes, we’re already bracing for the YouTube comments.
Watch the video and stream the track, ideally while staring into a gas lamp and questioning humanity.
Musically, Hexenbrand 1486 promises Mystic Circle’s signature cocktail of melodic extreme metal: a fusion of old-school death and black metal with ‘80s traditional heavy metal — plus horror soundtrack atmospheres that would make Dario Argento twitch in delight. There are even dark synthwave passages, because black metal isn’t black enough until someone adds a haunted Casio.
Lyrically and conceptually, the album is centered on the “Malleus Maleficarum” (a.k.a. the “Hexenhammer”) — the witch-hunting manual written by the not-so-beloved Heinrich Kramer in 1486. “A vile sadist,” says Beelzebub, “who acted out his resentment toward women under the cloak of Christian scripture.” No soft words there. The band’s goal: turn this deranged legacy into a full-blown black metal opera. Mission… in progress.
Helping them bring this historical horror to life are three women:
Sarah Jezebel Deva (ex-Cradle of Filth) returns for her signature ethereal menace,
Karo Hafke (Umbra Et Imago) delivers a powerful performance representing persecuted women,
And Natalie Ostermaier, whose book Kramer inspired the accompanying 12-page comic found in the CD and vinyl editions. Yes, this album comes with its own comic book — and we fully support that level of theatrical commitment.
The album was produced with Nils Lesser, and will be available on CD, vinyl (with the comic), and digital formats. Pre-orders are open now. If you’re a collector of both extreme metal and ecclesiastical horror literature, this is a win-win.
As for the future, Mystic Circle are gearing up for a South American and Mexican tour in Spring 2026, newly signed to Flaming Arts Agency and currently recruiting live session musicians. Expect a live show inspired by the glory days of W.A.S.P., Dio, and Alice Cooper — so pyros, props, and probably some flaming heretics.
So there you have it: tortured witches, blood-soaked history, synths, comics, and Jack the Ripper — all wrapped in blast beats. Mystic Circle are clearly having fun… even if they’d never admit it.
