Joey Jordison, celebrated as one of modern metal’s most influential drummers, left an indelible mark on the genre through his groundbreaking work with Slipknot and other projects. Renowned for his speed, precision, and ability to incorporate extreme metal techniques into the mainstream, Jordison’s impact on albums like Slipknot’s Iowa and Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) was transformative. However, his musical inspirations extended far beyond his own work, as he found profound influence in one particular black metal album: Mayhem’s De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.
Released in 1994, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the black metal genre. Created by Norwegian pioneers Mayhem, the album is steeped in both musical innovation and infamous controversy. Its dark history includes the suicide of vocalist Dead in 1991 and the 1993 murder of guitarist Euronymous by bassist Varg Vikernes. Despite this, the album has achieved legendary status for its atmospheric, unrelenting sound that defined black metal’s second wave.
Joey Jordison, who discovered the record shortly after its release, credited it with having a similar transformative impact on him as Slayer’s iconic Reign in Blood. He viewed De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas as the ultimate black metal blueprint, noting its unparalleled atmosphere and creative depth. From its haunting riffs to its immersive, otherworldly production, the album transcended mere music, embodying a lifestyle and ethos that resonated deeply with fans like Jordison.
Mayhem’s work on the record highlighted their ability to channel raw aggression and bleak atmospheres into a cohesive, groundbreaking piece of art. Despite the controversies surrounding the band, their influence extended far beyond Norway, shaping the global perception of black metal as an uncompromising, boundary-pushing genre.
Jordison’s admiration for De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas reflects his wide-ranging musical tastes. His influences spanned classic rock, 1980s thrash, and 1990s extreme metal, all of which he integrated into his own compositions. This eclectic approach fueled his creative ventures, including his side projects like Murderdolls, Scar the Martyr, and Sinsaenum, further cementing his status as a visionary in the metal community.
Even after Jordison’s untimely death in 2021, his legacy as a drummer and a passionate advocate for metal remains. His reverence for De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas underscores its enduring significance as a milestone in heavy music, one that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.