Nevermore re-mixed "Enemies of Reality" with fantastic results. Sigh re-mixed "Gallows Gallery" for a better album. How many of us think Mayhem should take the time to actually get a good mix of "Ordo Ad Chao" ?

On the one hand, I hate the idea of the "George Lucas" digital re-enhancement (the three new Star Wars movies were horrid, and the additional footage in the original three was completely unnecessary). But I MUCH PREFER Andy Sneap's production over Kelly Gray, and James Murphy really does improve Sigh's album.

How would "Ordo Ad Chao" sound with the pristine sound of "Grand Declaration of War", or the raw but clear and thick sound of "Chimera" (my personal favorite) ?

Never. It's an apocalyptic post-black album, no need for sterilization.

well they wanted it that way...and I like it. It would be something different if they didn't have the time or money the first time around, but I'm pretty sure this was the sound they were going for.

I've often wondered the same thing. There's something strange and interesting going on with the production, though--the general sound is deliberately necro, but it still manages to capture a lot of the nuances and subtleties in the music. It's not bad by any means, and does suit the music very well. With that said, I would probably enjoy a clearer sound. Music should be able to stand on its own with clear production (as I'm sure this album could...it was my favorite of last year). Relying on muffled production to add atmosphere is a stupid and tired idea. I have the same problems with Portal's Outre.

I like the sound and haven't even considered it being redone... much of it because it's unique, I can't recall hearing anything sound like that. And it adds not to any specific atmosphere, but rather to an otherworldly chaotic vibe. It's menacing and totally mayhem. I hope Knut M Valle will continue recording bands, he's obviously good at it (or not good at all, maybe he fucked it up completely when they where aiming at a completely different sound!). But at least Hellhammer came to his senses and realised his drums had sound like shit for a decade... he actually spoke against click-sounding trigs in a recent interview; he used to enjoy it but then it became a trend, and he, well, realised it sounded like shit! Haha.

I hate clickety-click trigs. Damn Nick Barker to hell for Cruelty & The Beast.

I don't think Nick Barker has touched a real drumkit in years - He pretty exclusively seems to use the Roland V-Drums (I think)

I mainly wonder about the Ordo Ad Chao sound, becuase I recently listened to the wonderful Ava Inferi with Blasphemer/Rune - thick and full production without the mud - not over produced, but clear. Nothing tinny, nothing too shiny, but just right for the music, and I wonder what Ordo would sound like like with similar production.

Did Mayhem play and record live-in-the-studio perhaps? And just captured the band in the midst their well-established chaotic fury?

It´s dark, foggy, and obscure. And though I wanted to throw my CD against something (wall, window->out, floor etc., you get the point) after my first listening (feeling SLIGHTLY ripped off, I mean there was actually a STUDIO involved in this? You gotta be kiddin´me) I have now changed my mind.

Okay, I was used to a somewhat clear sound and I really did like "Chimera", so I expected something similar. I admit I was just not prepared that MAYHEM would try another approach to their music, an approach that relies on overall atmosphere rather than techical riffs, not unlike bands such as PAYSAGE `D HIVER, DARKSPACE or TRIST. Now that the shock has faded, I can appreciate it, and it has certainly spawned new interest in this band (what with Blasphemer gone anyway, there should be yet again some fresh influences with a new guitar player).

Blablabla, I know... So my answer would be No, please don´t remix it. It would take away the menacing and mean mood.

And let's face it, ... this is a band named MAYHEM. We're probably never going to hear the same thing twice from them, and perhaps that's the way it should be.

Although, wouldn't it be cool if they did the same thing that Trent Reznor/NIN does - set up a web page to download the basic tracks of songs and remix it yourself, then submit it back to the page to be heard by other fans. Hmmmmm,...

Well, the production of Ordo Ad Chao is interesting, but overall a better mixing would be good...

(I miss this forum, but I'm pretty busy with school at the moment )

well I think the mix of the album suits the atmsphere, or rather it's a part of the atmosphere!

The album was mixed with the intention of getting a more "clear" sound, so from what I've heard from Knut Magne Valle (who mixed it) there isn't anything "wrong" with the mix. It was during mastering they "fucked up" the sound, and that's probably why you can still hear most details.

Personally I think this album is brilliant.. everything, besides the cover, is pure genious! The necro sound enhances the atmosphere.

No offence, but that makes me wonder what his ideas of a "not clear" sound would have been. Not that I don´t like "Ordo", but compared to it, "Nattens Madrigal" is overproduced. And I doubt that just the mastering can "fuck that up" THAT much...

Haha, agree on that one, they really could have used a better cover. Trine & Kim don't impress me that much anymore.

oh yeah, you are right! Cruelty and the beast minus dani minus keyboard minus fucked up drums would be one of the best metal albums of all time. the guitar riffing is awesome, but sadly i cant listen to it because everything else on that record is gay.

Heh, my opinion about this album is, that it's so good also for it's sound. Sound for me is a part of way how album is directing me and of it's impact. Couldn't image it with different sound.