ANALYSIS OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE ALBUM “DE MYSTERIIS DOM SATHANAS” BY MAYHEM

ZULFA, ACHMAD ZIDAN (2025) ANALYSIS OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE ALBUM “DE MYSTERIIS DOM SATHANAS” BY MAYHEM. Other thesis, IKIP PGRI BOJONEGORO.

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Abstract

Zulfa, Achmad Zidan. (2025). “Analysis of Figurative Language in The Album ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’ by Mayhem”. Skripsi. English Education Department. Faculty of Languages and Arts. IKIP PGRI Bojonegoro. Advisor I Dr Ima Isnaini Taufiqur Rohmah, M. Pd, Advisor II Ayu Fitrianingsih, M. Pd. This research aims to identify and classify the types of figurative language found in selected songs from the album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas by the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem. The research applies the theory of figurative language proposed by Laurence Perrine, which consists of eleven categories: simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, metonymy, symbol, allegory, paradox, overstatement, understatement, and irony. A qualitative-descriptive approach was used to analyse five chosen songs: “Funeral Fog,” “Freezing Moon,” “Life Eternal,” “Pagan Fears,” and “Cursed in Eternity.” Each lyric was examined and categorized based on its dominant figurative elements. The results show a total of 33 instances of figurative language across the lyrics. Personification appeared most frequently with 8 occurrences, followed by paradox, irony, and symbol with 5 each. Metaphor and overstatement were found 3 times, apostrophe twice, and understatement once. Simile, metonymy, and allegory were not found in any of the data. These findings suggest that Mayhem’s lyrics rely heavily on implicit, abstract, and atmospheric language rather than direct comparison or structured narrative. The research concludes that figurative language plays a significant role in constructing the thematic depth of the album, especially in relation to death, nihilism, spiritual isolation, and existential dread. These results also align with previous studies that observed the dominance of personification and symbolism in poetic song lyrics. This research is expected to contribute as a reference for literary studies in non-traditional music texts and support further research in language, metal music, and subcultural expression.

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