Paradox – Mysterium

Written by on 10-12-2025 at 22:33.

Mysterium is the ninth studio album by German thrash institution Paradox. Their debut, Product Of Imagination (1987), sounded like an energetic, technically solid but roughly produced speed/thrash record. Even then, tracks like Beyond Space and Paradox stood out for their catchy riffs and a surprisingly clear mix. In recent years, Paradox proved with Heresy II – End of a Legend (2021) that conceptual ambition also pays off: a dark production, mechanical precision, and consistently high-quality songwriting.

On Mysterium, frontman Charly Steinhauer takes full control, handling all guitars, vocals, drum programming, and the entire production himself. The only aspect he did not oversee was the mastering, which was carried out by Patrick W. Engels. Such a solitary approach can pose a risk, as it means there’s no external feedback. So, has Steinhauer succeeded in shaping Mysterium into a coherent whole without outside input?

Mysterium seems to continue the strong trajectory of Heresy II, but with a single man at the helm, the result is more intimate, urgent, and personal. Thematically, it might appear predictable (mystical tales, global events), but the execution tells a different story: without being a traditional concept album, it still feels organic and thoughtfully constructed. This is likely due to the contribution of Achim “Dax” Hömerlein (ex-Vendetta) who, as on earlier albums Tales Of The Weird and Pangea, wrote all lyrics.

The first single, Kholat, hits the mark straight away. It’s an intriguing opener with a mystical atmosphere. Grief, an instrumental tribute to co-founder Axel Blaha (who passed away in 2023), is as subdued as it is memorable. The title track Mysterium thematically explores dream interpretation – a fascinating and carefully considered concept that has been powerfully translated into music. Each song has its own identity, and this individuality contributes to a strong sense of cohesion. Or, as Steinhauer himself puts it: “every song is catchy and leaves you wanting more.”

The production of Mysterium is unmistakably the work of a single mind: tight, full of detail, and technically refined. Thanks to Steinhauer’s direction, everything feels balanced – not overproduced, yet still modern and clear. The mastering by Engels adds the final polish. Compared to the darker, more instrument-heavy mix of Heresy II, Mysterium feels a touch more transparent and personal, without sacrificing any power.

Mysterium, according to Steinhauer, is “next to Heresy, the strongest Paradox album ever.” It surpasses the rawness of Product Of Imagination, carries the thematic focus of Heresy II, and adds a unique solo perspective. This album feels like a musical introspection: strong, cohesive, and compelling, leaving you eager to hit “play” button again as soon as it ends. For fans of technical thrash with depth, this is without a doubt one of the standout releases of 2025.

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