This is the seventh album from legendary Norwegian black metallers Mayhem.
New Mayhem material is always A Big Event. Despite enjoying 2019’s Daemon, it wasn’t quite as special compared to the band’s other records. So what of the 49-minute Liturgy of Death? Does it suffer the same malady?
No, not even close. Liturgy of Death has that something special in spades.
Striking at the heart of the old-school, while reaping the benefits of a contemporary delivery, Liturgy of Death is shockingly good. I know I’m biased, as I love Mayhem, but still – this is an album I can’t imagine anyone disliking if they’re a fan of the style. Of course, I’m sure many will, as that’s the nature of subjective experience, but for me, this new record is remarkably strong.
Liturgy of Death is an album full of intricately malevolent otherworldly atmosphere. Whether fast or slow, unleashing scything aggression or precision emotion, Mayhem embody a certain unique nightmarescape that’s deeply imbued with emotive, mood-focused depth.
Lethally laced with dark esoteric melody and propelled by the relentless skill of the inhuman drumming, the music is richly satisfying and enjoyable. The guitars are simultaneously familiar and inventive; the songs have the classic Mayhem sound no other band can effectively replicate, yet still, as always, establish Liturgy of Death as its own entity within Mayhem’s storied discography. And, of course, the iconic vocals of Mayhem’s unique singer are one of many highlights; clean, harsh, and the multitude of vocal styles between these are all delivered with charisma and rare ability.
If you’re lucky enough to have a version with either of the bonus tracks, both are worth your time – Life Is a Corpse You Drag reeks of that particular old-school version of Mayhem that revels in esoteric technicality, while Sancta Mendacia slithers with insidious darkness, constricting its spectral claws around you ever tighter as you squirm in its cold embrace.
Every song on this new record is rewarding and extremely enjoyable, including the bonus tracks. Mayhem have exceeded my expectations to be honest, and I’m very happy about that. Liturgy of Death is a great record. What more can I say? I have no special insight or viewpoint, just the seal of approval of a fan.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 