Mysterium

High Roller Records, black vinyl, ltd 400, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, insert printed on uncoated paper, poster, download code“Mysterium” is the ninth studio album by German thrash metal institution Paradox and marks a special milestone in the band’s 44-year history, as founder and mastermind Charly Steinhauer not only played all stringed instruments, programmed the drums and sang, but also handled the production entirely on his own. Only the mastering was left to Patrick W. Engels competent hands. The songs are thematically linked, without it being a classic concept work. The lyrics – which, as on ‘Tales of the Weird’ (2012) and ‘Pangea’ (2016), were written by Achim “Daxx” Hoemerlein (ex-Vendetta) – revolve around mystical stories and world events that have personally moved Steinhauer. Songs like ‘Abyss of Pain and Fear’ (inspired by the movie “Midnight Express”), the instrumental ‘Grief’ (a tribute to co-founder Axel Blaha, who died in 2023) or the title track (about dream interpretation) thus form a common thread. In Steinhauer’s own estimation, “Mysterium” is alongside their 1989 classic “Heresy” the strongest Paradox album to date! The songs all have their own identity, are catchy, and when the album is over, I want to listen to it again straight away.” Charly`s focus remains on studio productions. In fact, he is already thinking about a follow-up album. For now, “Mysterium” is available on CD (with bonus track) and vinyl.