Mayhem

De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas

Truest Black Metal

Review Score:

(8/10)
First of all read Mr.One-Star's review below. Did you do that? Curse your disobedience! Never mind. Bottom line: instrumentally this is perfect. Hellhammer's drumming is outstanding - right up there with Dave Lombardo. Varg 'Burzum' Vikernes' bass playing is above average (NOT removed after he murderd Euronomous as many believe) and Euronomous' guitar work is finely crafted: layered riffing and the traditional uncompromising rasp laying down the foundations for ALL OTHER MUSIC OF THIS GENRE. Period. Because this is the selling point: without this man there would be no Black Metal as we know it today. It's worth buying the album for *interest* regardless of anything else. However, my problem with this album lies with the vocals. I would really like to give this three-and-a-half stars, because three is too low to do justice to the numerous good points; but in light of the vocals four is simply too much praise. The vocals are ABYSMAL and do spoil, yes spoil - as in "render what was otherwise good not less good, but actively BAD" what would be an amazing (if not perfect) album. This is where myself and one-star agree. But it's not as bad as all that. Yes, it would be perfect with...hmmm...ANY OTHER Black Metal vocalist (including my good self, and I don't even have a record deal...yet); but let's not forget this is an historic album, and if nothing else it showcases the work of some of the greatest and most innovative musicians ever to grace music, never mind this genre. Writing it off totally is unthinkable...if you like Black Metal you should own this; but be warned, you're listening solely for the instruments.

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