Grand Declaration of War
Mayhem · 2000
45 min · 13 tracks · black metal
A chilling blend of avant-garde structures and chaotic soundscapes that redefine black metal's boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Grand Declaration of War Start here — The opening track sets an ominous tone with its disorienting rhythms and layered instrumentation, encapsulating the album's thematic focus on chaos and conflict.
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Crystalized Pain in Deconstruction — This track exemplifies Mayhem's willingness to experiment with structure, merging dissonance and melody to create an unsettling atmosphere that challenges listeners’ expectations.
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To Daimonion (Part I of III) — Positioned as a pivotal moment on the album, this track offers a haunting exploration of existential themes through its intricate arrangements and shifting dynamics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's complex structures and avant-garde approach set it apart within the black metal genre.
What we noticed
- The album features multiple tracks that are divided into parts, creating a sense of continuity and thematic exploration across its runtime.
- The use of dissonant chords and layered instrumentation creates a chaotic atmosphere, challenging traditional black metal aesthetics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive sonic explorations
- dynamic emotional intensity
- gradual builds and payoffs
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a bold departure from conventional black metal sound.
- Themes
- chaotic conflict· avant-garde experimentation
- Career context
- By the time 'Grand Declaration of War' was released on June 6, 2000, Mayhem had undergone significant lineup changes and artistic shifts following their controversial past. This marked their first full-length album in a decade, following the release of 'Wolf's Lair Abyss' in 1997, showcasing a new direction towards experimental, dissonant compositions rather than traditional black metal tropes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Burzum· Darkthrone· Emperor
Tracklist
- 1 A Grand Declaration of War Start here 4:14
- 2 In the Lies Where Upon You Lay 5:59
- 3 A Time to Die 1:48
- 4 View From Nihil (Part I of II) 3:04
- 5 View From Nihil (Part II of II) 1:17
- 6 A Bloodsword and a Colder Sun (Part I of II) 0:34
- 7 A Bloodsword and a Colder Sun (Part II of II) 4:27
- 8 Crystalized Pain in Deconstruction 4:10
- 9 Completion in Science of Agony (Part I of II) 9:44
- 10 To Daimonion (Part I of III) 3:26
- 11 To Daimonion (Part II of III) 4:53
- 12 To Daimonion (Part III of III) 0:07
- 13 Completion in Science of Agony (Part II of II) 2:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Filosofem
Burzum
Explores dark atmospheres and dissonant textures, pushing black metal into experimental realms.
Si monvmentvm reqvires, circvmspice
Deathspell Omega
Shares a chaotic structure and avant-garde approach, enhancing the emotional intensity of black metal.
La Masquerade Infernale
Arcturus
Combines progressive elements with a theatrical and dissonant sound, mirroring avant-garde chaos.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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