Norwegian black metal band Mayhem has released a visualizer for their latest single, 'Despair.' The track previews their upcoming album, Liturgy of Death, due out on February 6, 2026. Nearly four decades into their influential career, the group uses the release to explore themes of mortality and life's urgency.
Single Release
Mayhem, a cornerstone of the black metal scene since the late 1980s, dropped the visualizer for 'Despair' on December 2, 2025. This marks another chapter in the band's evolution, building on their legacy of intense, atmospheric music. The single serves as the first taste of Liturgy of Death, their forthcoming full-length project.
Album Context
Liturgy of Death delves into profound ideas about death, portraying it not as a finality but as a constant presence that underscores human vulnerability. The album aims to highlight the need to embrace life amid inevitable endings. Scheduled for release via an unspecified label, it arrives after a period of anticipation from fans, following previous works that solidified Mayhem's status in extreme metal.
Visualizer and Production
The visualizer, accompanying 'Despair,' was produced with contributions from photographers Agnes Köhler, Nima Taheri, and Joyce Van Doorn, alongside editing by Daniele Valeriani. This visual element enhances the track's dark, introspective tone, aligning with Mayhem's reputation for blending sonic aggression with conceptual depth.
The release comes amid a busy season for metal acts, though Mayhem's announcement stands out for its thematic weight. Fans can stream the visualizer now, with pre-orders for the album expected soon.