Morbid’s December Moon is a triumph of raw, untamed creativity that cements the band's brief but impactful legacy in extreme metal history. Known primarily as Dead’s project before his iconic tenure with Mayhem, this 1987 demo delivers a feral blend of thrash, death, and black metal that feels as revolutionary today as it must have in the late '80s. Beyond its historical significance, December Moon showcases a band firing on all cylinders, driven by a shared vision of dark, chaotic artistry.
From the opening moments of “My Dark Subconscious,” the demo grabs listeners with its whirlwind of sinister riffs, frenetic drumming, and haunting vocal delivery. Dead’s performance is the centerpiece, his raspy, otherworldly voice exuding a malevolent energy that is both chilling and magnetic. His approach here diverges from the more guttural tones he later employed in Mayhem, instead embracing an eerie, almost narrative style that perfectly complements the horror-inspired lyrics. Themes of death and occultism weave through the tracks, delivered with conviction that feels both theatrical and deeply personal.
Instrumentally, Morbid refuses to play second fiddle. The dual guitar attack from Napolean Pukes and Gehenna combines razor-sharp thrash riffs with an ominous undercurrent of blackened atmosphere. Tracks like “Wings of Funeral” exemplify this balance, opening with an unsettling sample from The Evil Dead before descending into a relentless barrage of blistering guitar work. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, with the bass adding heft to the chaotic riffs and the drums driving the tempo shifts that give the demo its dynamic edge.
The production—gritty yet surprisingly clear—captures the raw energy of the band without sacrificing nuance. Each instrument retains its identity, allowing the intricacies of the arrangements to shine through the demo’s abrasive exterior. While the rough edges might alienate listeners accustomed to modern production values, they serve to enhance the sinister aura that permeates the recording.
One of December Moon’s greatest strengths is its ability to fuse disparate influences into a cohesive sound. The thrash elements recall early Slayer or Kreator, while the death metal underpinnings hint at the burgeoning Swedish scene. Yet, it’s the subtle black metal flourishes—particularly in the vocals and atmosphere—that set the demo apart, foreshadowing the genre’s eventual rise to prominence.
December Moon is not merely a historical artifact; it is a testament to the boundless creativity of a band unafraid to push boundaries. Morbid’s brief existence leaves a bittersweet legacy, but the music they created remains a powerful reminder of what could have been. For fans of extreme metal, this demo is an essential listen—a snapshot of a moment when darkness, chaos, and artistry converged to create something truly special.
