Mayhem
Chimera

THE REVIEW

Comeback for the legendary Mayhem.
After the lukewarm “A Grand Declaration of War”, many were expecting a return to the sound of the post-reunion mini CD “Wolf's Lair Abyss” which, although modernized, recalled the sound that made the Norwegian combo famous, the authors of that cornerstone of the genre known as “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”, perhaps one of the most chilling chapters in the history of all metal.

Well, forget about a return to the origins.
Chimera is a work light years away from the uncontrolled fury of the past. The four are heading towards a more considered black metal, characterized by more airy compositions and the particular emphasis on Blasphemer's riffing, finally highlighted by a less frantic song structure and excellent production, both clean and powerful at the same time.
To understand the new direction, just listen to the beautiful “My Death” which, in a thrilling crescendo, captures us in its complex and dark structure, ending with Maniac's evocative use of voice—drawing on the already successful experiment in “I Am The Labyrinth”—including a clean and “baritone” singing style, giving the piece unparalleled majesty and solemnity.

There are, of course, more devastating moments (the opening “Whore”), and frequent use of blast beats which, though set in a more elaborate context, allow for the unmistakable Mayhem trademark to be recognized.
Among all, “Whore”, “The Dark Night of the Soul”, “Rape Humanity With Pride”, and, as mentioned, “My Death”, but it is the work as a whole, in my opinion, that deserves attention.

Let it be clear, we are not in front of a masterpiece (the malice of “Funeral Fog”, “Freezing Moon” or “Life Eternal” is unlikely to be achieved again), but if you can forget for a moment the ominous and legendary past of the four, I am sure that this album will give you great satisfaction.