Year: 2021
Total Time: 23:30
Label: Century Media
Two years after the release of their quite good album “Daemon”, the Norwegian Black Metallers MAYHEM return with a new EP, in which they decide to show us the influence of Punk/Hardcore music into their sound by covering their favorite songs from bands of this scene. During the recordings of their last album, Hellhammer recorded the drums in less time than it was planned, so the Norwegians had enough time to record some cover songs, three of which (DEATH, MORBID and DEATH STRIKE) we heard when the album was released. Now it’s time through the new EP to listen to the rest songs.
The bands that MAYHEM decide to present to us are RAMONES, DISCHARGE, RUDIMENTARY PENI and DEAD KENNEDYS. Also, in their new release they have invited their former singers Attila and Billy (Messiah) who are having amazing performances in “Hellnation” (DEAD KENNEDYS) and “In Defense Of Our Future”(DISCHARGE), while, in the other two remaining covers, Attila reveals us his Punk side. As for the performances of the songs, the feeling they leave you is as if you are listening to a Punk record, making you wonder how those covers are made by a Black Metal band. The EP has also three MAYHEM’s songs, two of which were released in the Digibook version of “Daemon”. After two years those songs still remain moderate and indifferent for my ears. As for the only new song of the record, “Voces Ab Alta” is very good composition with dark atmosphere and a great theatrical performance by Attila, while musically it does not go far beyond the sound character of “Daemon”.
“Atavistic Black Disorder / Kommando” is a notable release for the Norwegians, with the Punk songs being really impressing, making you to want to listen them repeatedly, as they raise adrenaline levels high with their attitude. Concluding, MAYHEM in their new EP appear their Black Metal side with their own style while they present us their Punk character, which undoubtedly played a significant role in the subsequent configuration of their sound.
Rating: 6,5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: MAYHEM – Official Page
