Mayhem. The band is synonymous with black metal, True Norwegian black metal, second-wave black metal, inherent violence, infamy, and controversy.
When you discuss Black Metal, their name is inevitably mentioned, such is their legacy. Unlike the other elites, Mayhem have cemented their reputation with a formidable live show and Daemonic Rites is their latest release from their last round of touring.
This is their sixth live album (counting the triptych of releases in 2018 as one) and is comparable to the seminal Live in Leipzig for capturing the essence of the band at this stage of their career. The production captures their inherent chaos with a tangible sense of immediacy and presence. The one-two punch of the modern ‘’ To Daimonion’’’ and ‘’Malum’’ is captured here excellently. If you have witnessed the ritual live recently, then Daemonic Rites confirms that for all their extremity, Mayhem does write memorable at times, punk/metal-infused darkness that is built for live destruction.
Like their sets, this is a generous seventeen-track display of raw strength with no subtlety and all fury.
Hellhammer confirms his status as the anchor and his driving rhythms that are only matched by technical precision.
Attila Csihar’s vocals range from the shrieks to chanting incantations, whilst the twin guitars exemplify the intensity and some pure metal head stomping moments.
An album that runs in the reverse chronology of their career, it captures some of the band’s greatest moments and a performance where they are at the pinnacle of their lunacy, suspense, and darkness. The supremely heavy ‘’Freezing Moon’ and the manic chaos of ‘’ Deathcrush’’ are still vital pieces of black metal urgency, whilst ‘’ Voces ab Alta’’ is suitably epic and it ends in ‘’Pure Fucking Armageddon.’’
Unholy, mesmerizing, and unmissable. Mayhem has delivered a must-hear recording of live vitriol and the essence of their ‘’Life Eternal.” Exemplified by excellent live performances in a genre where reputation is everything, Mayhem continuous evolution and legacy is unquestionable.
Mayhem: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Century Media
Category: Album
Country: Norway
Reviewed by Sparky
