On Wednesday February 8th the one and only Mayhem hit Club Red in Mesa Arizona. This was a very special and highly anticipated show as the band were set to play the ‘De Mysterris Dom Sathanas’ album in its entirety. It was a perfect black metal package for fans as the guys were accompanied by Inquisition and Black Anvil. A special line up, a packed show as expected and every fan knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
From beginning to end the show had its own dark ambiance that shined through with every performance. Things kicked off with Black Anvil and immediately I as well as everyone in that venue was captivated by their sound. This was the first time i had the chance to see them live and there is a very special energy that these guys put out. Their presence and music really left a lasting impression. The dark small venue was a very intimate setting and personal show to say the least.
Soon after Inquisition hit the stage. The guys had a jam packed set list of great songs like “From Chaos They Came”, “Hymn for a Dead Star” & many more. The crowd enjoyed their set very much and in true metal fashion the pit never stopped.
Finally the moment we were all waiting for had arrived. As the fog began to cover every inch of the stage the fans started inching their way to the front until there was no room left. Everyone was anxious about the important spectacle we were about to witness. This really was a historical moment to see such an important album played in its entirety. You could feel the tone of the room change when Mayhem hit the stage. From harsh stage lighting to low visibility the guys came out cloaked in black. The demons in black began to play and it was incredible. The crowd was a mix of both old and new generations. Many veterans who have seen the guys before and some young blood there who are the future of the scene. The guys never wasted a second and played the album all the way through. For the duration of the show it felt like a trance and everyone’s eyes were glued to the stage. It’s been many years since “De Mysterris Dom Sathanas” was released the songs still have a powerful impact and dark atmosphere to it.
Overall it was a really good show. The line up was a good fit and all the bands, although black metal, had their own style and incredible essence. From start to finish the crowd was captivated and it was a once in a lifetime to see such an important and historic album like “De Mysteriss Dom Sathanas” in its entirety.