"We declare not peace but war." Sophomore full length from controversial black metal pioneers, Mayhem. The infamous Norwegian band is known equally for their disturbing history which includes a suicide, a murder, and a string of church burnings (movie coming soon), as their extreme musical style. Grand Declaration Of War was originally released in 2000 and found the band evolving (with inspiration from Friedrich Nietzsche), beyond the usual black metal tropes with a new level of sonic clarity, and an expanded range that includes the divisive industrial electronic beats of "A Bloodsword and a Colder Sun," and the 10 minute doom metal of "Completion in Science of Agony." This 2018 reissue features completely remixed and remastered sound from the original master tapes, pressed on black vinyl with gatefold sleeve and printed insert. Only 1,000 pressed.

• remastered sound from original master tapes
• limited edition of 1,000
• gatefold sleeve w/ printed insert
• music label: Season Of Mist 2018

reviewed by Sourball Prodigy 01/2019