The Birth of Chaos
Welcome, metalheads, to the chaotic world of Mayhem, the band that painted the town black with their groundbreaking music. Hailing from the frosty landscapes of Norway, Mayhem emerged as a force of nature, a whirlwind of raw power that forever altered the course of metal music.
Their story is as dark and intense as their music, filled with controversy, tragedy, and, above all, an unyielding commitment to their art. Mayhem didn’t just play black metal—they lived it, breathed it, and in doing so, they became the very embodiment of the genre.
They didn’t just contribute to the genre—they shaped it, molded it, and in the process, they became legends.
Their influence is undeniable. Like a black sun casting long shadows, Mayhem’s impact on the black metal scene has been profound and far-reaching. They didn’t just contribute to the genre—they shaped it, molded it, and in the process, they became legends. Strap in, folks, as we dive headfirst into the tumultuous tale of Mayhem, the band that brought the darkness to life.
The Dawn of Mayhem
In the cold winter of 1984, in the heart of Oslo, Norway, a new sound was about to be born. Three young men, Øystein Aarseth, Jørn Stubberud, and Kjetil Manheim, known by their stage names Euronymous, Necrobutcher, and Manheim respectively, came together to form what would become one of the most influential bands in black metal history: Mayhem. Their shared passion for extreme music and desire to push boundaries led to the creation of a band that would redefine the genre.
In 1987, Mayhem released their first EP, “Deathcrush”. The raw and aggressive sound, combined with their dark and macabre lyrics, immediately set them apart from other bands in the scene. “Deathcrush” was a statement of intent, a declaration that Mayhem was here to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in music. The EP was met with both shock and admiration, and it quickly gained a cult following. It was clear that Mayhem was a force to be reckoned with.
Dead’s influence extended beyond his performances; his fascination with death and the macabre deeply influenced the band’s image and lyrical themes.
In 1988, the band underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of Per Yngve Ohlin, better known as Dead. Dead brought a new level of intensity and theatricality to the band. His performances were marked by his use of corpse paint, self-mutilation on stage, and the use of props like animal heads and crucifixes. Dead’s influence extended beyond his performances; his fascination with death and the macabre deeply influenced the band’s image and lyrical themes.
The intensity that Dead brought to Mayhem was not only confined to his performances. In 1991, Dead committed suicide in the house he shared with Euronymous. The circumstances surrounding his death were as shocking as they were tragic. Euronymous, upon discovering Dead’s body, took photos of the scene, one of which would later be used as the cover for a bootleg live album, “Dawn of the Black Hearts”. This event sent shockwaves through the black metal community and marked a dark turning point in Mayhem’s history.
The Euronymous Epoch and the Emergence of the Black Metal Inner Circle
In the early 1990s, Mayhem underwent significant changes that would forever shape the band’s legacy and the black metal scene as a whole. The band’s guitarist, Euronymous, emerged as a pivotal figure during this period. His influence extended beyond the band, shaping the entire black metal scene. Euronymous was known for his extreme ideologies and his commitment to the “true” spirit of black metal. He was instrumental in the formation of the “Black Metal Inner Circle”, a group of musicians and enthusiasts who shared similar ideologies and were committed to promoting black metal in its purest form.
These acts of arson were seen as a rebellion against Christianity and an assertion of the dominance of black metal.
The activities of the “Black Metal Inner Circle” were not limited to music. The group was infamously associated with a series of church burnings in Norway. These acts of arson were seen as a rebellion against Christianity and an assertion of the dominance of black metal. Mayhem, under Euronymous’s leadership, was at the forefront of these activities, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most controversial bands in the genre.
However, the Euronymous era came to a tragic end in 1993 when he was murdered by fellow musician Varg Vikernes. This event sent shockwaves through the black metal community and marked the end of the Black Metal Inner Circle. Despite the tragedy, Mayhem continued to produce music. Their album “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”, which was released posthumously, is considered one of the greatest black metal albums of all time. The album is a testament to Euronymous’s influence and the indelible mark he left on Mayhem and the black metal scene.
The Second Coming of Mayhem
After the turbulent early years that were marked by controversy and tragedy, Mayhem found a way to rise from the ashes. In 1995, the remaining members of the band decided to reform, with Necrobutcher returning to take up his original role as the bassist. The band was also joined by new members, including Blasphemer on guitar and Maniac on vocals, marking the beginning of a new era for Mayhem.
The reformation led to a surge of creativity and the band released a series of albums that further solidified their status in the black metal scene. “Grand Declaration of War” was released in 2000, showcasing a more experimental approach to black metal. This was followed by “Chimera” in 2004, “Ordo ad Chao” in 2007, and “Daemon” in 2019. Each album brought something new to the table, demonstrating the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their black metal roots.
The current lineup of Mayhem includes Attila Csihar on vocals, Necrobutcher on bass, Hellhammer on drums, and Ghul and Teloch on guitars. Each member has made significant contributions to the band’s sound, helping to shape the direction of Mayhem’s music.
Mayhem’s legacy in the black metal genre is undeniable. Despite the controversies and tragedies that have marked their history, they have managed to create a discography that has influenced countless other bands. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of black metal has earned them a place as one of the genre’s most influential bands.
Behind the Music
Mayhem, despite their significant influence in the black metal scene, has been surrounded by a cloud of controversy and legal issues that have marked their history. The band’s reputation has been marred by a series of shocking events, including church burnings and murders, which have led to legal repercussions for several band members.
The most notorious of these incidents was the arson of the Fantoft Stave Church, a historical landmark dating back to the 12th century.
In the early 1990s, Norway experienced a wave of church burnings, which were linked to the black metal scene. Mayhem, being a prominent figure in this scene, was inevitably associated with these acts. The most notorious of these incidents was the arson of the Fantoft Stave Church, a historical landmark dating back to the 12th century. Varg Vikernes, a former member of Mayhem, was later convicted for this act among others, casting a dark shadow over the band’s image.
The band also faced legal issues related to violent crimes. In 1993, Euronymous, the band’s guitarist, was murdered by Vikernes, leading to a high-profile trial that further tarnished the band’s reputation. The murder was reportedly the result of a power struggle and financial dispute within the band. Vikernes was found guilty and sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum sentence in Norway.
These controversies and legal issues have had a profound impact on the band, influencing their music and image. Despite these challenges, Mayhem has continued to produce music and perform, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
From “Deathcrush” to “Daemon”
Mayhem’s discography is as diverse and tumultuous as their history. Their musical journey, which began in 1984, is marked by a series of studio albums, live albums, EPs, demos, singles, and compilation albums.
Their first EP, “Deathcrush”, was released in 1987, setting the tone for their unique brand of black metal. This was followed by their debut full-length album, “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”, in 1994, which is often hailed as one of the most influential black metal albums of all time.
The band’s discography continued to expand in the post-Euronymous era, with albums like “Grand Declaration of War” (2000), “Chimera” (2004), “Ordo ad Chao” (2007), and “Daemon” (2019). Each of these albums showcased the band’s ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their black metal roots.
In addition to their studio albums, Mayhem has also released a number of live albums, including “Live in Leipzig” (1993), “Mediolanum Capta Est” (1999), and “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas Alive” (2016), among others. These live recordings capture the raw energy and intensity of Mayhem’s performances, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s onstage persona.
Mayhem’s discography also includes several EPs, such as “Wolf’s Lair Abyss” (1997) and “Life Eternal” (2008), as well as a number of demos and singles. These releases often feature alternate versions of songs from their albums, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the band’s creative process.
The Final Word
From their formation in the early 80s to their current status as genre pioneers, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what black metal can be. They’ve weathered numerous storms, from lineup changes to legal issues, and yet, they’ve always emerged stronger, their music more potent and influential. Their impact on the black metal scene is undeniable. They’ve inspired countless bands, both within and outside of the genre.
They’ve shaped the aesthetics, ethos, and culture of black metal, and their story is intertwined with the history of the genre itself.
As we look back on their discography, it’s clear that Mayhem’s influence extends far beyond their music. They’ve shaped the aesthetics, ethos, and culture of black metal, and their story is intertwined with the history of the genre itself.
In the end, Mayhem’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of art born from chaos, and of a band that has remained true to its vision, no matter the cost. They are, in every sense, the embodiment of black metal.
