Mystifier

Mystifier's output of blistering, rapid-fire black metal laced with symphonic flourishes gives no hint of the band's origins in Salvador, Brazil, a vibrant coastal metropolis steeped in tropical surroundings and centuries of history. The enduring satanic metal outfit actually traces its roots to 1989, when guitarist Beelzebubth assembled the project. Vocalist Naosouninguem, bassist Behemoth, and drummer Lucifuge completed the roster that captured the ten-song Tormenting the Holy Trinity demo along with the locally issued single "The Evil Ascension Returns." A deal with France's Osmose Productions followed, yielding the 1992 debut Wicca. Goetia, the follow-up, brought vocalist Asmodeeus into the fold, yet successive lineup shifts and persistent monetary setbacks kept the group sidelined for three years. Their return arrived via the pivotal third album The World Is So Good That Who Made It Doesn't Live Here, which marked a career milestone in nearly every respect. Drummer Louis Bear entered the lineup during this period, and a subsequent invitation to open for Greek black metal gods Rotting Christ across South America provided a timely boost. Marking their tenth anniversary in 1999, Eldritch Music issued the long-revered debut demo worldwide as The Fourth Evil Calling from the Abyss -- Tormenting the Holy Trinity. Two years afterward came Profanus, officially the band's fourth album yet fifth release overall, which Crash/Pavement Music distributed internationally in 2003.