CoC : Mayhem - Mediolanum Capta Est : Review

Mayhem - _Mediolanum Capta Est_
(Avantgarde / Dwell, 2000)
by: Aaron McKay (9 out of 10)

This is what I am talking about. In review after review, I think to myself, metal here and metal there, but rarely engaging metal anywhere. This -is-, I assure you. _Mediolanum Capta Est_ is also an official Mayhem live album, too, from what Dwell says. That in and of itself is interesting, I think. Intriguing also is Mayhem's "offensiveness". To know what I mean, you'll have to listen to Maniac's rants between songs. That, my friends, is what is known as a "tease" in journalism. If you wanted it on just one Mayhem release -- it's here, even an appearance by Tormentor (Attila) from the _De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas_ era contributing appropriately enough vocally to track nine, "From the Dark Past". The band skillfully works through their previous material as a fire might consume thirsty Autumn leaves. I have no desire to lecture you on Mayhem's accomplishments, but even for a live release, this is exemplary. Necrobutcher's bass is clear in its perfected buzz and hum and Hellhammer no doubt had to replace his set after obliterating it during this performance. Much better than _Live in Leipzig_, I can see no reason fans of all metal wouldn't want this embellishing their collection.

(article published 20/11/2000)

ALBUMS
5/21/2007	J Montague	8	Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
3/31/2004	C Flaaten	9	Mayhem - Chimera
8/12/2001	Q Kalis	3	Mayhem - US Legions
8/12/2000	P Schwarz	8	Mayhem - Grand Declaration of War
11/17/1997	A Lewandowski	10	Mayhem - Wolf's Lair Abyss

GIGS
5/13/2001	C Flaaten	Mayhem / Carpathian Forest / Minas Tirith	Norwegian Oldies and Norwegian Oldschool
11/20/2000	P Schwarz	Mayhem / Aeternus / Red Harvest	Declaring War on the Underground
11/20/2000	P Azevedo	Mayhem / Anathema / Hatesphere / Bronco Busters	Judgement Night
8/12/1999	D Rocher	Six Feet Under / Mayhem / Vader / Enslaved / Cryptopsy / Nile / Thyrfing / Darkseid	Facing the Breton Storm Season