MAYHEM / MORTIIS / IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT – THE PALADIUM
By Mia Palazzo
The 2025 Century Magazine Tour stormed into The Palladium on Saturday night, headlined by Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem. The show featured an electrifying lineup, opening with New Skeletal Faces, a California-based death rock trio, followed by Imperial Triumphant, an avant-garde New York City metal act, and Mortiis, a Norwegian electronic artist. Though the venue could hold 2,000 people and only saw about 600 tickets sold, the energy remained undeniable.
New Skeletal Faces
New Skeletal Faces, to say the least, was unlike anything I had ever heard before. I want to preface this by admitting that this isn’t my typical genre, so I may not know all the technical terms, but I will do my best. Their sound blends gothic post-punk with metal influences, giving them a distinct death rock edge. Their performance was shrouded in thick fog, illuminated by warm yellow and red lighting, creating an atmospheric and immersive experience.
New Skeletal Faces aesthetic perfectly matched their sound – big, teased hair, studded gloves and accessories, and tight, flashy clothing reminiscent of ‘90s goth rock. The raw vocals, chaotic yet fitting riffs, and aggressive yet captivating drumming all contributed to their unique allure. For fans of gothic rock, this is definitely a band worth keeping an eye on.
Imperial Triumphant
Next up was Imperial Triumphant, who had me hooked before they even stepped on stage. Their set design was striking, intricate metallic structures adorned the front speakers, and their microphone stands were wrapped with brass instruments, a detail that became even more significant as the set unfolded. The three-piece band delivered an unconventional yet hauntingly beautiful performance, draped in heavy fog and bathed in eerie red and yellow lighting. Their intricately designed masks added to their ominous presence, making for an unforgettable visual spectacle.
Describing their sound is a challenge, as they defy conventional metal boundaries, but their ability to create something so experimental yet compelling is remarkable. Though the lead vocalist remained relatively still, the bassist was incredibly engaging, even using a trombone slide to play his bass, which was a very unexpected move that elicited an enthusiastic response from the crowd. If you’re looking for a band that challenges the norms of metal and expands the genre’s possibilities, Imperial Triumphant is a must listen.
Mortiis
Mortiis was next on the bill. I’ll admit, I had never heard of them before, but the audience’s excitement had me intrigued. Two performers took the stage – one donning a mask with a notably long nose, the other adorned in makeup. Their entrance carried an eerie presence, fitting for the night’s overall theme.
The first five minutes of their set repeated the same melody, which left me momentarily unsure of what to expect. It wasn’t bad in the slightest, just an unusual way to open a set. However, as the performance progressed, the music evolved into a deeply immersive experience. Their stage setup was theatrical, complete with banners framing the performers, and the music felt like the score to an epic fantasy film, full of dynamic highs and lows. Out of all the acts that night, Mortiis stood out as my personal favorite. Despite minimal lyrics, their performance conveyed intense emotion, proving that sometimes, music alone can tell a powerful story.
Mayhem
Finally, it was time for Mayhem. Their set opened with a memorial video honoring past members whose legacies built the band’s foundation. While the only remaining original member is the drummer, the current lineup performed with a conviction that made the band feel entirely their own.
Gone are the days of Mayhem’s infamous onstage chaos, no more self-mutilation, and no dead animals, but their dark aura remains unmistakable. Some members still wear corpse paint, and their slow, deliberate movements create a chilling effect. Paired with saturated red, green, and blue lighting, the atmosphere was nothing short of ominous.
Their two-hour set was divided into three sections: the first covering 2024-1997, the second spanning 1990-1994, and the finale diving into their earliest works from 1984-1989. Each segment maintained the intensity, with fans singing, moshing, and crowd surfing throughout the performance. Despite its length, the set never lost momentum; if anything, the crowd only grew more energized as the night went on. A standout moment was the haunting inclusion of original vocalist Dead’s voice on a tape for “Funeral Fog,” sending chills through the audience. Seeing Mayhem live was an unforgettable moment, one that I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed.
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