Behold the sophomore opus by this Mystic Metal entity, a concept album telling the story of a nature-loving woman with magical abilities who fights for the greater good, yet a patriarchal society stigmatizes her and burns her alive.

Rebellion and darkness speak from the heart of German Progressive/Melodic Death/Black Metal Crescendium, the brainchild of frontwoman and composer Elena Cor Tauri. Under the flagship of Mystic Metal, the project sails through the abysses of the human soul to guide it into the light. Now in 2026 a mystical fog is settling over the metal world, and Crescendium is at its heart with the release of their sophomore opus DRAC (a word for “dragon,” formed from the song titles, which blend English, German, and Latin lyrics), following on their 2023 debut Within. Recorded by the band itself, and mixed and mastered by the band’s own Nikke Kuki at Collapsed Sanity Productions, the new offering by Elena Cor Tauri on vocals and guitars, and Nikke Kuki on bass and drums is a concept album set against the backdrop of collective wounds from the past, telling the story of a nature-loving woman with magical abilities who fights for the greater good; yet a patriarchal society stigmatizes her and burns her alive. This brutal fairy tale comes to an end with her transformation into a demon, no longer part of society, but free.

The imposing, almost apocalyptic intro Prologue: As Within, So Without darkens the skies and prepares the stage for Elena and Nikke to consume our souls in Dämmerlicht, weaving in quotes from the Malleus Maleficarum, the grotesque 15th century compendium of rules that was responsible for numerous witch burnings. Martin (aka ChaoZ, frontman for Black Metal band Verderbnis) appears as a dogmatic priest and guest vocalist, while Nikke’s rumbling bass and drums offer Elena everything she needs to roar like a true witch. Ravish My Flesh, Soil My Name carries a beyond poetic name for a hard hitting blend of Melodic Death Metal with Black Metal elements, with Elena’s roars and riffs sounding utterly demonic. Then an epic intro morphs into another blackened feast titled Anderswelt, with both Elena and Nikke blasting their sonic weapons nonstop supported by the song’s awesome choir-like background; whereas Chandra keeps their fire and insanity flowing, offering another ruthless performance by Nikke on drums, while Elena vociferates like a demented she-demon until the very end. and lastly, Epilogue: As The Universe, So The Soul is a calm and soothing creation by Elena, with her serene vocals and delicate piano bringing peace to our damned hearts.

How is the medieval witch hunt connected to women’s lives in today’s society? The answer to that question can be found in the excellent DRAC, which can be purchased from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. In contrast to a digital world where everything is frantic and overwhelming, the music in DRAC invites listeners to delve into their own shadows and transports them into a melancholic experience, with its mystical sounds telling of spiritual journeys, the eternal cycle of life and death, and the struggle against oppression. Don’t forget you can also find more information about Crescendium on Facebook and on Instagram, and stream their scorching music on any platform such as Spotify. DRAC is a reflection on forced exclusion and breaking free from a corrupt system. Night falls on dragon’s wings, and the unspeakable reveals itself in a musical crescendo of Black and Death Metal magic, courtesy of one of the must-see names of the current German extreme music scene.

Best moments of the album: Ravish My Flesh, Soil My Name and Anderswelt.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Prologue: As Within, So Without 2:33
2. Dämmerlicht 7:27
3. Ravish My Flesh, Soil My Name 6:22
4. Anderswelt 7:20
5. Chandra 7:20
6. Epilogue: As The Universe, So The Soul 5:29

Band members
Elena Cor Tauri – vocals, guitars
Nikke Kuki – bass, drums

Guest musician
ChaoZ – vocals on “Dämmerlicht”