MAYHEM — De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (review)

MAYHEM — De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas album cover Album · 1994 · Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
The Angry Scotsman
Of Lord Satan's Mysteries

A classic black Metal album, which should scare me away. I will be the first to admit, while I get it, I am not a fan of black metal. However, while this album the black metal essentials: Songs that are largely composed of tremolo picking and blast beats, repetitive and devoid of any real structure, there are some subtle differences.

The songs do have some, (some) variation. There is some actual riffing, and even some ebb and flow is present. A notable case being "Life Eternal" which has a fairly lengthy, slower section with some cool riffage and even a guitar solo! Freezing Moon is also quite slower and riffier then standard black metal.

The production, while not great, is actually not that poor and nowhere near standard black metal. You can hear some bass! (And that's after it was toned down).

Finally, the vocals. Opposed to the universal high pitched shrieking, the vocals are more of a moaning. I like them. It's different, but mainly its good. The vocals are fitting. The heavy, soul crushing music with guttural, almost non lyrical moaning just fit together so well.

Overall, a fairly straightforward black metal album. Lots of blast beats and tremolo picking. However, if you sit down and listen there is actually enough variation throughout to hold ones attention. This is obviously good, but also makes the intense parts feel even more intense. Opposed to 7 minutes of straight blast beats. Add some intriguing, (and fitting) vocals and you have a black metal album that is not that bad. This is not a great album, and I can't listen to it at any time, but it's one of the rare "traditional" or "true" black metal albums that I can listen to at all. Any fan of extreme metal should give it a try, as this album may have some appeal outside of the usual fanbase. Surprisingly decent album. Not great and will get no love outside the extreme metal community, but it is decent.

Three Stars



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