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Mayhem

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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Attila Csihar

1993

Lead vocals

Ghul

2012

Guitar

Hellhammer

1988

Drums (drum set)

Necrobutcher

1984

Bass guitar

Teloch

2011

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Blasphemer

1995
2008

Guitar

Dead

1988
1991

Lead vocals

Euronymous

1984
1993

Guitar

Manheim

1984
1987

Drums (drum set)

Maniac

1986
2004

Lead vocals

Torben Grue

N/A
N/A

Varg Vikernes

1992
1993

Bass guitar

Story of Mayhem

Mayhem: A Legacy of Darkness and Controversy

Mayhem, a Norwegian black metal band formed in Langhus in 1984, stands as a towering figure in the genre's history. They were among the first to champion the raw, aggressive sound that would define Norwegian black metal, leaving an indelible mark on the scene. Their story, however, is interwoven with tragedy and controversy.

Mayhem's early years were marked by a relentless pursuit of sonic extremity, culminating in infamous live performances that pushed the boundaries of shock value. The band's notoriety grew even darker with the 1991 suicide of vocalist Per Yngve Ohlin ("Dead"), a tragic event that deeply impacted the band's trajectory. Tragedy struck again in 1993 when guitarist Øystein Aarseth ("Euronymous") was murdered by former member Varg Vikernes ("Count Grishnackh") of Burzum, further solidifying Mayhem's place in black metal lore.

Despite the turmoil, Mayhem left behind a lasting legacy. Their demo and EP, released during this chaotic period, became highly influential within the black metal scene. They gained a devoted following through their infrequent but explosive live performances, fueled by their controversial association with the Norwegian church burnings and the violence surrounding the band.

The death of Aarseth marked a temporary end to Mayhem's existence. The band disbanded shortly before the release of their groundbreaking debut album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, widely regarded as a black metal classic.

In 1995, surviving members Jan Axel Blomberg ("Hellhammer"), Jørn Stubberud ("Necrobutcher"), and Sven Erik Kristiansen ("Maniac") revived Mayhem, with Rune Eriksen ("Blasphemer") replacing Aarseth on guitar. The lineup has shifted further since, with Attila Csihar and Morten Iversen ("Teloch") taking over vocal and guitar duties respectively.

Mayhem's post-Aarseth era has witnessed a shift towards experimentation, blending their signature dark and chaotic sound with a wider range of influences. Their 2007 album Ordo Ad Chao was a testament to this evolution, earning them the prestigious Spellemann Award for Best Heavy Metal Album.

Early Years (1984-1988)

Mayhem was born in 1984 from the collective vision of guitarist Øystein Aarseth ("Euronymous"), bassist/vocalist Jørn Stubberud ("Necrobutcher"), and drummer Kjetil Manheim. This early lineup laid the groundwork for the band's infamous legacy.

Note: This rewritten text provides a more engaging and comprehensive overview of Mayhem's history, incorporating the important details while maintaining a narrative flow.

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