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After a near death experience (metaphorically speaking), Swiss black metal band Ipsum returns with a new and intriguing lineup, along with its second release since debuting in 1998 with Behind the Mask. An exodus led most of the original members away from Ipsum, formed from the band Black Magic, leaving its fate in the hands of guitarist Sarah. The girl power was with her though, as four new members came into the fold and from these ashes comes Mystic Evilution.

Originally formed from the band Black Magic, Ipsum plays along that Dissection line of black/death/melodic hybrid bands, comparable to modern acts such as Necrophobic. The atmosphere and lyrical fodder however hints at strong doom influences, with songs questioning existence and suicide, with a noticeable lack of Satanic content. Also, the three to two outnumbering of female versus male members adds a twist, especially vocalist Michelle who simply must have a penis to sound like she does on the record. Had I not told you she was a female and you went ahead and gave this band a listen, you would NEVER know it. Her sandpaper rough rasping and gurgling heaves add to the atmosphere of the record, dissipating into the static sound reverberations.

Feel is Mystic Evilution's strong suit, yet musically it can get sluggish after forty minutes of Valium high melodic black metal, with the occasional surge of blastbeats and furious riffing. The slow, clockwork solos are heavy (in the weight sense), spewing forth sorrow and again consolidating the excellent tone of the album.

Not the greatest band of the genre out there by any means, but most definitely recommend them to your teeny goth sisters who adore girls that rock. Heh, what a surprise she'll be in for quite the surprise…