ALBUM REVIEW: Mayhem – Daemon

Norwegian Black Metal titans MAYHEM are back with their brand new album. Out now via Century Media Records. This album should require little introduction, so I will waste no time getting to the review.

Wasting no time with an immediate barrage of fierce riffs, blasting drums and maniacal vocals, this already feels like a Mayhem record as Necrobutcher’s thunderous bass breaks through the rasping mix to truly encapsulate the claustrophobic and visceral energy of the band. There is a definitely more traditional Black Metal feeling to many things on this album than “Esoteric Warfare” which I feel may appeal to many, however this is Mayhem, there is of course plentiful oddities that make that album unique in the sparse atmospherics and haunting incantations they spew forth so effortlessly and with a macabre occult vibrancy shining through for the duration. The songwriting has a dystopian feeling that underlines the ritualistic vocals marvellously and concocts an unsettling ambience that is impenetrable. I think it is impertinent with a band like Mayhem to try and compare any given release with another but there is certainly a similar vibe to the chilling masterpiece that is “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” though with their more modernised experimentation certainly coming through to add a refreshing touch, something the legendary band have never failed to do. The thrashing cascades of violence are captivating and monstrously well executed, definitely giving a renewed aggression and as per usual a unique experience that only a band such as Mayhem could provide. I genuinely believe this is some of Mayhem’s best material in many years due to its ravaging blizzard of chaotic Black Metal balanced with hauntingly ambient and disturbing atmospherics and experimental oddities, once again providing evidence that there will never be a band in their vein. Something I found peculiar but really loved from this album was the occasionally utilised soulful guitar solos which really added to the emotive side of the music gorgeously. While emotional in part, this album rarely lacks groove, bite or bitter hatred, even in the more melancholy or ambient parts there is always an underlying sense of tension, dread and vitriol that conveys the classic Mayhem vibe to perfection. I think it would be redundant to suggest that everyone into Black Metal needs to hear this release, but be prepared for some truly disdainful musical prowess amongst the usual Black Metal onslaughts, I believe many will be pleasantly surprised with the direction taken by the mob of occultist masterminds. A marvellous addition to the bands discography that certainly has been not only worth the wait, but also exceeded expectations. -8.5/10