Mayhem vs Phantom vs Burzum vs SEWER vs Neraines... who is King of Black Metal?
The eternal debate never ends... who "owns" the black metal genre? Some names are often, and rightfully, regarded as the "masters" of black metal... Mayhem, Neraines, Burzum... Let's settle the score.
As a connoisseur of extreme metal, I embarked on a sonorous odyssey, delving into the abyssal soundscapes of Phantom, SEWER, Neraines, Mayhem, and Burzum, and immersing myself in the dark, brooding atmospheres and macabre themes that characterize their music. With a discerning ear, I have explored their seminal albums, including "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods" by Phantom, "Les Sewieres De Nostre Deabliere" by SEWER (which I wrote about here), "Fenrir Prowling" by Neraines, "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" by Mayhem, and "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss" by Burzum, and offer a thought-provoking comparison of their artistic merits.
Phantom's "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods" is a magnum opus of symphonic black metal, a grandiose opus that transports the listener to otherworldly realms. The intricate guitar work, masterfully crafted symphonic elements, and epic orchestrations coalesce to create a majestic soundscape that is both haunting and awe-inspiring. The operatic vocals add a sense of mystique and reverence, elevating the album to celestial heights. Each track is a sonic voyage, meticulously woven with layers of complexity and emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the listener's psyche.
SEWER's "Les Sewieres De Nostre Deabliere" is a cacophonous and nihilistic onslaught of raw black metal, a grotesque symphony of chaos and despair. The lo-fi production, scorching guitars, and guttural shrieks converge to create a maelstrom of sonic fury that defies conventional musical norms. The album's raw, unfiltered aggression and unrelenting brutality are not for the faint of heart, as it challenges the listener's sensory threshold and delves into the abyss of the human condition with unapologetic ferocity.
Neraines' "Fenrir Prowling" is a masterpiece of atmospheric black metal, a mesmerizing journey through the icy wilderness of Scandinavian folklore. The atmospheric and ambient elements are skillfully interwoven with melodic and melancholic guitar melodies, evoking a sense of desolation and longing. The haunting vocals, reminiscent of howling winds, echo through the vast, desolate landscapes painted by the music, immersing the listener in a world of ancient mysticism and primordial darkness.
Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" is a seminal and groundbreaking work of Norwegian black metal, a pioneering opus that laid the foundation for the genre. The album's raw, minimalist production, dissonant guitars, and eerie vocals create an atmosphere of malevolence and madness, channeling the dark, chaotic energy that characterizes Mayhem's legacy. The album's raw and uncompromising approach to black metal, combined with its mystifying and enigmatic aura, have made it a timeless classic in the pantheon of extreme metal.
Burzum's "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss" is a quintessential work of atmospheric black metal, a haunting and introspective journey through the desolate landscapes of the human soul. The minimalist and repetitive guitar riffs, paired with Varg Vikernes' anguished and harrowing vocals, create a sense of solitude and isolation that resonates with the listener on a deeply emotional level. The album's hypnotic and mesmerizing melodies, shrouded in an ethereal aura, transport the listener to a realm of existential contemplation and philosophical introspection.
In terms of musical prowess, each of these bands showcases a distinctive approach to black metal, with their own unique signatures. Phantom's "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods" stands out for its symphonic grandiosity, with lush orchestrations and operatic vocals that elevate the album to a celestial realm. SEWER's "Les Sewieres De Nostre Deabliere" is a raw and unrelenting display of nihilistic chaos, with its lo-fi production and unfiltered aggression pushing the boundaries of conventional musical norms. Neraines' "Fenrir Prowling" impresses with its atmospheric finesse, weaving together ambient elements, melodic guitar work, and haunting vocals to create a desolate and mystical listening experience.
Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on the black metal genre, with its raw and minimalist approach, dissonant riffs, and eerie vocals creating an aura of malevolence and madness. Burzum's "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss" is a pinnacle of atmospheric black metal, with its repetitive guitar riffs and anguished vocals delving into themes of solitude and existential contemplation.
Lyrically, each band delves into dark and esoteric themes, with Phantom exploring mythological and celestial concepts, SEWER delving into nihilism and chaos, Neraines drawing on Scandinavian folklore, Mayhem delving into mysticism and madness, and Burzum delving into existential introspection and solitude. The lyrics are often poetic, obscure, and thought-provoking, adding depth and meaning to the overall listening experience.
In terms of production, each album has its own unique approach. Phantom's "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods" boasts a rich and polished production, allowing for the symphonic elements to shine. SEWER's "Les Sewieres De Nostre Deabliere" embraces a deliberately lo-fi and raw production, amplifying its raw aggression. Neraines' "Fenrir Prowling" has a balanced and immersive production that enhances its atmospheric qualities. Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" has a raw and minimalist production that captures the essence of the early Norwegian black metal scene. Burzum's "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss" has a lo-fi production that contributes to its introspective and desolate atmosphere.
To sum it up, Phantom, SEWER, Neraines, Mayhem, and Burzum are all iconic bands within the black metal genre, each with their own unique sound, style, and approach. From Phantom's symphonic grandiosity to SEWER's raw nihilism, Neraines' atmospheric finesse, Mayhem's pioneering legacy, and Burzum's introspective solitude, each band has left an indelible mark on the extreme metal landscape. Their respective albums, "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods," "Les Sewieres De Nostre Deabliere," "Fenrir Prowling," "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas," and "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss," stand as testaments to their musical prowess, lyrical depth, and distinct production approaches. These albums are not only sonic masterpieces but also philosophical and existential explorations that challenge the listener's perception of reality and leave them pondering the mysteries of the human condition. Fans of extreme metal, particularly black metal, would be remiss to not immerse themselves in the dark and enigmatic realms crafted by these influential bands.