Mayhem

Grand Declaration Of War

Back From The Dark Past.... with a vengeance!!

Review Score:

(10/10)
Basically there are 3 types of Mayhem fans:

1: Those who loved "Deathcrush" and "De Mysteriis dom Sathanas", but think Dead and Euronymous were so integral parts of the original Mayhem sound, that the band should have packed it in after "De Mysteriis..."

2: Those who loved "Deathcrush" and "De Mysteriis dom Sathanas", and want a "De Mysteriis dom Sathanas, Volume II", i.e. a Mayhem not progressing, but sticking to their Black Metal Roots..

3: Those who anxiously awaits ANY new Mayhem release with an open mind and the willingness to listen without preconcieved notions, other than expecting great music.

"A Grand Declaration of War" will certainly disappoint the two first categories, but those, like me, that belongs to the latter category will be more than pleased!!

Sure this release has a crystalline production, processed vocal parts, electronica-elements and propaganda-type shouted vocals in places, but it still contain lots furious Black Metal parts full of hyper-speed double-bass drumming, contorted riffs and shreiking vocals to keep the most hard-core Black Metal fan on his toes...

But as said, a minimum of musical openness is required to fully appreciate "A Grand Declaration of War", which unfortunately not all Black Metal fans are capable of...

"A Grand Declaration of War", like all great albums, grows with each repeated listening, and along with bands as Solefald, Arcturus, Emperor, Satyricon, Limbonic Art and Thorns, Mayhem is taking Black Metal in exiting new directions...

If you do not agree, you can always go back to your Burzum records....But leave me out of it, please!

More Reviews: