VARIOUS ARTISTS - A TRIBUTE TO MAYHEM
I won't go into the whole Mayhem history, as I take it for granted
that those who read this know all about it. What we also know is that
Mayhem is one of the most important bands in the history of extreme
metal, with their revolutionary releases such as the groundbreaking
"De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas".
All the tracks from the abovementioned album are featured on this tribute
album, as well as four other tracks. The tracklist is indeed a mouthwatering
sight to behold.
Immortal kicks off the record with their version of "From The Dark Past".
Horgh's drums are as furious as ever, and Abbath slurs his voice (like most
of the other singers on this album) to honour the legendary Hungarian vocalist Atilla,
who did the vocals on "De Mysteriis". The track is fast, heavy and tight, delivering
everything you can expect from Immortal. Good stuff.
Next out is "Pagan Fears", covered by Dark Funeral. A good attempt from the Swedish
black metallers, but without any very interesting twists. Track three is a hyperfast,
almost deathmetal-ish version of Freezing Moon by the Polish band Vader. Vader
takes no prisoners as usual, and does a solid version of one of my favourite
Mayhem songs.
The best track on this record is without doubt Emperor's "Funeral Fog". I never
thought it was possible to do a better version of this song than that of Mayhem,
but these fantastic guys actually manage to do it. I can't describe the brilliancy
of this song any further, you just have to check this out. Now.
Behemoth's "Carnage" is a punch in the stomach, but a good one. Fast and
extreme, the way it should be. An atmospheric masterpiece follows up; namely
De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas by Limbonic Art. One of the very best tracks on this
album, although you really can't go wrong with this one.
Keep Of Kalessin's "Buried By Time And Dust" surprised me in a positive way.
Great dual vocal work on this here song, and actually one of my favourite songs
on this compilation.
Gorgoroth is a bit overrated in my opinion, and their version of "Life Eternal"
doesn't do a lot for me. It's not bad by any means, but it sounds a bit
uninspired. Carpathian's Forest "Ghoul" is much better, with a driving
"black 'n roll" beat.
I never thought much of "Into Thy Labyrinth", and although Seth does an
acceptable version of that song, it's really not my cup of tea. I do enjoy
"Cursed In Eternity", though, but I don't think this song fits Gehenna's
style that great.
Absu finishes off with "Deathcrush", a highly enjoyable version by the
(to me) unknown band. (Deathcrush is followed by a bonus track, a slightly
more "melodious" version of "Silvester Anfang").
To sum this up; all fans of Mayhem and extreme music in general should pick
this up. I have listened to this album quite a lot, and I'm still not tired
of this. 8 points out of 10.
I won't go into the whole Mayhem history, as I take it for granted
that those who read this know all about it. What we also know is that
Mayhem is one of the most important bands in the history of extreme
metal, with their revolutionary releases such as the groundbreaking
"De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas".
All the tracks from the abovementioned album are featured on this tribute
album, as well as four other tracks. The tracklist is indeed a mouthwatering
sight to behold.
Immortal kicks off the record with their version of "From The Dark Past".
Horgh's drums are as furious as ever, and Abbath slurs his voice (like most
of the other singers on this album) to honour the legendary Hungarian vocalist Atilla,
who did the vocals on "De Mysteriis". The track is fast, heavy and tight, delivering
everything you can expect from Immortal. Good stuff.
Next out is "Pagan Fears", covered by Dark Funeral. A good attempt from the Swedish
black metallers, but without any very interesting twists. Track three is a hyperfast,
almost deathmetal-ish version of Freezing Moon by the Polish band Vader. Vader
takes no prisoners as usual, and does a solid version of one of my favourite
Mayhem songs.
The best track on this record is without doubt Emperor's "Funeral Fog". I never
thought it was possible to do a better version of this song than that of Mayhem,
but these fantastic guys actually manage to do it. I can't describe the brilliancy
of this song any further, you just have to check this out. Now.
Behemoth's "Carnage" is a punch in the stomach, but a good one. Fast and
extreme, the way it should be. An atmospheric masterpiece follows up; namely
De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas by Limbonic Art. One of the very best tracks on this
album, although you really can't go wrong with this one.
Keep Of Kalessin's "Buried By Time And Dust" surprised me in a positive way.
Great dual vocal work on this here song, and actually one of my favourite songs
on this compilation.
Gorgoroth is a bit overrated in my opinion, and their version of "Life Eternal"
doesn't do a lot for me. It's not bad by any means, but it sounds a bit
uninspired. Carpathian's Forest "Ghoul" is much better, with a driving
"black 'n roll" beat.
I never thought much of "Into Thy Labyrinth", and although Seth does an
acceptable version of that song, it's really not my cup of tea. I do enjoy
"Cursed In Eternity", though, but I don't think this song fits Gehenna's
style that great.
Absu finishes off with "Deathcrush", a highly enjoyable version by the
(to me) unknown band. (Deathcrush is followed by a bonus track, a slightly
more "melodious" version of "Silvester Anfang").
To sum this up; all fans of Mayhem and extreme music in general should pick
this up. I have listened to this album quite a lot, and I'm still not tired
of this. 8 points out of 10.
