MAYHEM

After the mythological chimera, the metaphorical chimera, and finally the Ariya-flavored adolescent chimera, a black metal chimera has been born (see cover art). A perfectly reasonable question arises — what distinguishes this subspecies from the rest? The answer is obvious: a special, all-pervasive ferocity, total lethality, and unpredictability. I must admit, after the magnificent (despite all the cries of dissent) "Grand Declaration Of War," I expected MAYHEM to further penetrate into the realm of industrial-digital anomaly, following DHG and THORNS, but the maniacal crew decided to steer their horses in a different direction. MAYHEM circa 2004 represents a far more direct, torpedo-like variant of nu-black metal. The promised "return to roots"? Doesn't look like it. If you compare "Chimera" with the classic (but by no means mainstream) "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas," the differences and inconsistencies are dizzying — ten years apart, what can you do. Perhaps one thing connects these releases: the complete absence (or even deliberate avoidance) of melody — the oldest ingredient in MAYHEM's formula, the mayonnaise for a dry salad of brutality, speed, and innovation. Despite the glaring antiquity of the monster on display, wizard sound engineer Borge Finstad (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD) injected his share of postmodernism into the recording: one cannot help but note the technicality deliberately accentuated by digital retorts and coils, the at times somewhat inadequate, dive-bombing guitar tone, and the drums... Yes, just the drums. Just drums behind which sits the mad black metal "Shiva" Hellhammer (a comment that is, I think, exhaustive — moreover, for the fanatical minorities, the booklet includes an inset diagram of Hellhammer's drum "Bucephalus"). And now for the sad part. Alas, the new century dictates its own laws, and casting one's gaze upon the new heroes of black metal — MELECHESH, DIABOLICUM, WURDULAK — the newly arrived "chimera" no longer seems like something incredible, frightening, or shocking. Pulse is normal, blood pressure is fine, but somehow the healthy blush and polish don't suit the face of a band whose history reads like a midnight crime report.