With the first and last review I made of one of Mayhem’s releases, namely: “Atavistic Black Disorder / Kommando” (2021) I made a few very bad jokes about this illustrious and infamous band. This time I will set the record straight. Forty years of making black art is not something every black metal musician can say (although the line-up has changed significantly since its origins). Be aware: I am not the biggest fan of these Nordic giants. Although Mayhem sure, together with Burzum, Satyricon, Immortal and other bands from that era, played a huge role in shaping Black Metal as it is today Mayhem isn’t something I listen very often. The vocals of Atillah needs an acquired taste and the later work was sometimes a little to eclectic and technical for my taste. Mayhem had its fair share of quality releases but not all of them are my cup of dark tea. I’ve heard a few songs of the 2019 “Daemon” album but not in its entirety. Don’t mind me blabbering because the fans are what keeps this illustrious and infamous act alive. There are hordes of fans and Mayhem still is a force to be reckoned with. I’ll put the story about Mayhem, Burzum and the Black Metal scene of Norwegian nineties , although interesting as it may be, aside and focus on the music for this time. Let’s hope it is worth a listen.
And by Satan’s nutsack! I must admit: this album rocks! You may have already heard “Weep for Nothing” and “Despair” (I hope so because it saves me a lot of writing ;)). Both songs are very accomplished. They are riddled with riffs, strange melodies, the unique voice of Atillah and have an eerie, gloomy yet quite aggressive atmosphere which oozes of desperation Just listen at the ferocious parts of “Weep for Nothing” and you will concur. And “Despair” blasts your way out of your speakers while the sepulchral voice of Attilah carries extra momentum. I can really understand why they chose these song as singles. Outstanding songs indeed which makes you hungry for more.
The album starts with “Ephemerial Eternity” were a sinister intro beckons you in and gradually builds up momentum with guitar parts, samples and subtle keyboards. After approx. two minutes hell is unleashed making this an intriguing song which can be relentless but also highly atmospheric. It proves once again Hellhammer still is one of the better extreme music drummers around. He drums as tight as a virgin’s ass and makes sure this track is a great opener paving the way for more devious songs.
After the two singles “Aeon’s End” grabs you at the jugular and manages to be a fast and to the face song with thrilling riffs and a sense of urgency. “Funeral of Existence” has a more atmospheric approach. Threatening guitars and gradually building up momentum make it a mid-tempo smasher with a grimy and gloomy atmosphere. Attillah preaches again like an unholy summoner of despair and the guitar parts of Thelog, Ghul and Necrobutcher show true craftsmanship. This song eventually becomes more and more aggressive and is a top notch track well worth your ears. “Realm of endless Misery” is in the same vein while “Propitious Death” contains some great tempo-shifts giving it, once again, a sense of urgency.
The eight an last track “The Sense of absolution” contains all the traits shown above. Although it doesn’t shun melody it is a compelling, threatening and well concocted song which is both majestic and dark. It has some great melodies both doesn’t hold back on ferocity, despair and gloom until the surprising outro sees to a fitting end.
I must admit that “Liturgy of Death” managed to surprise me. Mayhem always has adapted and changed their style while still recognisable being Mayhem, and with this album they comfortably manage pull this trait off as well. The songs can be listened separately but I recommend devouring this album as a whole. Together with fitting artwork and a good production these solid tracks make sure it is a dark delight which will take over your soul.
As said, I am not the biggest fan of (all albums) of Mayhem but albeit quite a complex album they managed to tone it down to be very listenable (for Black Metal standards). You can sense that accomplished musicians have put much effort here and it pays off. So let’s forget all the controversy, the sometimes hilarious statements of some members and focus on the music. And with that in mind you have a memorable journey. Get yourself a copy and don’t forget to visit one of the tour dates (with mighty Marduk) and enjoy yourself. In the meanwhile I will give “Daemon” a chance. Good stuff which should be listened and purchased by anyone who is in the extreme Metal genre.
Oh, and lest I forget: the limited vinyl includes an extra track “Life is a Corpse you drag”. I’ll put the link below so you can decide it’s worth spending your well earned money on.
Score: 8,3/10
Label: Century Media Records
Release date: 6 February 2026
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist
1. Ephemeral Eternity
2. Despair
3. Weep for Nothing
4. Aeon’s End
5. Funeral of Existence
6. Realm of Endless Misery
7. Propitious Death
8. The Sentence of Absolution
9. Life is a Corpse you drag (bonus track)
