Album Review: Mayhem - Liturgy Of Death
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, there’s no understating the impact and influence that Mayhem have had on the world of black metal! They’ve never been a band to rush things, as a career spanning 4 decades has produced a rather modest 6 studio albums. “Liturgy Of Death” is number 7 and the first since 2019.
What is immediately apparent is the significant upgrade in production values! Gone are the days of almost unlistenable recordings from the early era; those with the harsh end product that were probably recorded using a baked potato. No, this demonstrates that some serious graft has been put into the studio, with the band have clearly done their homework! Every instrument is given the respect and attention it deserves in a supremely-constructed overall mix. ‘Aoen’s End’ and ‘Despair’ are some of the better examples of this, with the drums nailing down the sickeningly ferocious heartbeat and allowing you to feel every single strike of the snare, cymbals, and kick drum. A double kick drum clinic is provided in the shape of ‘Propitious Death’. The bass locks in elegantly whilst being given license to roam free in providing both melodic and rhythmic support. The guitars are everything you expect from the genre, with the tremolo picked riffs and chromatic scales being navigated at blistering pace, with a dose of face melting solos for good measure. Vocalist Attila provides more of the expected yet ferocious KVLT shrieks, whilst injecting with his operatic style cleans and the occasional demonic roar to provide the voice to the band.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts though, as the final product is an apocalyptic aura that will prove irresistible to fans of the darker side of metal whilst striking fear into the hearts of those uninitiated. The sheer ferocity of the genre is captured elegantly whilst fully embracing cutting edge technology to produce the best quality finish. ‘Realm of Endless Misery’ is the living embodiment of this, a song in which no light can possibly escape it’s impenetrable darkness and infernal undertone!
Maybe some passages outstay their welcome at times though, and they should end some segments a little earlier before they run the risk of becoming stale. Yet not every song and segment is played at breakneck speed. No, ‘Ephemerial Eternity’ provides the illusion of calm with a much slower pace, especially in the early stages. Though this proves to be anything but respite, as the sinister and austere atmosphere ensures you’re constantly on guard! Just another glimpse into twisted and dark minds that behind Mayhem.
It's almost impossible to have a conservation about the elite of black metal without mentioning Mayhem. “Liturgy Of Death” is a reminder of Mayhem’s elite status and will stand the test of time in what is an instant classic.
Hi
Salem – Moment of Silence 2LP
For the very first time on vinyl!
Limited edition of the most significant work
from the pioneering extreme Israeli metal band.
Originally released on 1998 and produced by the legendary
Colin Richardson, known for his work with major metal acts
as Machine Head, Fear Factory and many more.
This masterpiece originally consists with 11 tracks
that blends Death/Doom Metal with Gothic Metal influences
and lyrically explore the delicate and often violently
situation in Israel during the late 90’s.
This double vinyl edition contains 4 bonus tracks
of orchestral and live versions.
Limited Gatefold edition • Double 180gr brown vinyls • Including lyrics sheet
https://open.spotify.com/album/7tL4t96n9KmWQGknZ0JOcQ
https://www.facebook.com/salem.salemband
Label: MERCH 972
Distributed by Metalshop
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