“De Mysteriis Dom. Sathanas”, the band’s debut, is arguably the best Black Metal album ever created and it’s no mystery why when considering all the personalities that took part in the creating process. Material for the album was written from 1987 to 1991, up until 1992 when it was finally recorded, after delays due to all the stuff happening around that time. Euronymous and Snorre were responsible for the guitar compositions, with Aarseth revolutionizing the way Black Metal riffs where being played. Signature of the way he played was the use of the entire neck and bar instead of individual notes, thus creating a fuller sound with an ice-cold feeling, due to the clinging of the eerie notes from the sound of the higher ones piercing through the mist of the lower ones. The bass lines are courtesy of Necrobutcher and Varg Vikernes. Varg provided some grooviness in the mix, with his bass lines at times isolating from the guitar riffs, playing at their own pace, and creating an aggressive feeling. Hellhammer put on a drumming masterclass with lengthy blast beats and an unforgiving double bass, solidifying his place as the best drummer in the scene. However, Attila’s vocals are probably the most controversial thing. Straying away from the typical Black Metal style with the charismatic use of falsettos, operatic vocals and chants reminiscing of Tibetian monks, to create the epitome of atmosphere. Dead also had his share in the album by providing lyrics that paint pictures of death and grimness.
Steve Huey. Allmusic.com
