Mayhem - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas

Classic

This is one of my favorite black metal albums and i must say that in my opinion is a mandatory addition to the library of any fan of the genre. While "deathcrush" may be more influential, this album's importance cannot be denied. This was the transition between the early black metal of Bathory, and Venom to the modern style of bands like Emperor, Gorgoroth and such.

There are two ways to go when it comes to the early second wave material. The Burzum route, with a more ambient approach, and the Mayhem way, simple brutal music. On this cd mayhem shows a bit more maturity going past gore ridden lyrics like Chainsaw Gutsf**k to a more depressing, darker outlook. Most likly the influence of former vocalist Dead. the reason this album stands out for me is that each song is a classic. From Funeral Fog with its brutal thrash opening, To the title track's dark Riffs. The highlight of this album is easily Freezing Moon which is without a doubt Mayhem's greatest song. opening with pure dark ambience leading into a furious verse and chorus going into one of Euronymous' only solos (and a great solo at that). The production is also better than most black metal at the time.

The things that most people seem to dislike about this album is Atilla's vocal delivery. which is certainly not typical black metal shrieking, but rather a very low almost gargle. I find that the way Atilla delivers the vocals gives the music an even darker edge, and the way he "sings" Freezing moon i find superior too Dead's version on "Live In Liepzig".

Bottomline this is a great cd seething with fury and hatred that encapsulates the modern black metal movement, and is a must for the collection of fan of the Second wave of black metal. June 26, 2008

i heart transylvania

the music and atmosphere on this thing is very cool/cold/bleak/spooky/raw/snowy... however, i really think the vocals are very dumpy & hacked. i like the review the one guy on here wrote that "the vocals sound like a homeless stoned bum kicking a can and making fun of black metal singers". after hearing a demo/studio version of "freezing moon" w/ dead on vocals (off the nordic metal tribute cd) i have realized that if he hadn't killed himself & went through w/ doing the vocals on this record, it would've been one of the greatest black metal albums of all time. period. i'll settle for my burzum albums instead of this. burzum is the greatest black metal force ever. May 6, 2008

TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL!

Along with Darkthrone's A Blaze In The Northern Sky this is a masterpiece in Black Metal. Very cold and dark the way True Black Metal is suppose to be. Euronymous Raw (but memorable riffs), Hellhammer's brilliant drum work, Varg's nasty distorted bass and Attila's cold vocals make this a must have in any metal fans collection. And to all those stupid fags who gave this album less than 5 stars go kill yourselves you deaf retards.





June 21, 2007

The past is alive...

Bleak, dark, and oppressively extreme. The unified vision and the technical precision on display gives this record an undeniable edge. The drummer's full speed blasts underpin an atmosphere of relentless foreboding dread, before dropping the tempo to a crawl with some truly punishing fills. This is the backbone for a dense, deep, swirling mist of guitar noise. A mix that gives the infrequent solos an eerie, otherworldly quality to match their impressive sense of melody and timing.

The thick, layered production is reminiscent of 'Loveless' by My Bloody Valentine, but where that record is lush and dreamlike, this one is chilling and precise. The insane vocals are an acquired taste, but succeed in sounding unhinged, demonic, hollow and ghostlike, fitting the music hand to glove. The brilliantly titled 'Freezing Moon' and the hypnotic title track are the most accomplished individual showcases within this formidable creation. Enthralling and utterly alienating in equal measure. April 27, 2007

Sucks.

This album is laughable. I have no idea why people have rendered Mayhem a classic black metal band. The instrumentals were, while not horrible, nothing to rave about. And the vocals sounded like some stoned and drunken bum making fun of the whole black metal scene while kicking a can down an alleyway. Probably the worst vocals in the history of black metal.

Also, in regards to Vorthog's comment: I'm a fan of Dimmu Borgir and Emperor (more so Emperor than Dimmu Borgir, but thats not the point). But on the other hand I'm also a fan of Darkthrone...and Xasthur, Mutiilation, ect. Darkthrone is definitely not a key-board oriented black metal band, and neither are the others mentioned but I still think they have some great CD's. The reason I dont like Mayhem isnt because they dont have key-boards, it's simply because they suck.

Do not get this album. You'll be wasting your money. April 16, 2007

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