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Band Timeline

1984

Formation of Mayhem and Early Years

Mayhem was formed in Oslo, Norway, in 1984 by guitarist Øystein Aarseth (known as Euronymous), bassist and vocalist Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and drummer Kjetil Manheim. The band took its name from the Venom song 'Mayhem with Mercy' and started by performing covers of bands like Black Sabbath, Venom, and Motörhead. They quickly began writing original material influenced by seminal metal and punk bands. Early recordings include the demo Pure Fucking Armageddon, establishing their raw black metal sound despite several lineup changes. They also released their first EP, Deathcrush, in 1987, through Euronymous' label Posercorpse Music, which gained underground acclaim. This era set the foundation for the Norwegian black metal scene.
1988

Lineup Changes and Rise of Dead

In 1988, after some lineup instability, Swedish vocalist Pelle Ohlin (Dead) and drummer Jan Axel Blomberg (Hellhammer) joined Mayhem, bringing a new intensity and theatricality to their performances. Dead introduced the iconic 'corpse paint', contributing significantly to black metal aesthetics. The band's concerts from this period became notorious for their extreme atmospheres and shock tactics. Dead’s presence was both artistically influential and tragic; his struggles culminated in his suicide in 1991, profoundly impacting the band and the Norwegian metal community. This period is marked by growing controversy and dark creativity shaping the band's legacy.
1991

The Suicide of Dead and Its Impact

In April 1991, Mayhem's vocalist Dead died by suicide, a moment that shocked the black metal world. His death deeply influenced the band's direction and added to their infamous reputation. Dead's body was found by Euronymous, who reportedly photographed the scene, an act that generated substantial controversy. The emotional toll on band members was immense, but the band continued, recruiting new members. This tragic event became part of the lore surrounding Mayhem and the early Norwegian black metal scene's extreme and often dark history.
1993

The Murder of Euronymous and Temporary Disbandment

In 1993, guitarist and founder Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous) was murdered by former bassist Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnackh) of Burzum. This shocking event led to a temporary disbanding of Mayhem. Euronymous' murder, alongside other violent incidents and church burnings associated with the Norwegian black metal scene, drew international attention and controversy around the band. Shortly after this, their debut album 'De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas' was released posthumously, becoming a highly influential classic that epitomized the raw and dark spirit of early black metal despite the band's turmoil.
1995

Reformation and New Lineup

Following a period of inactivity after Euronymous' death, surviving members Necrobutcher, Hellhammer, and former vocalist Maniac reformed Mayhem in 1995. They recruited Rune Eriksen (Blasphemer) to replace Euronymous on guitar, revitalizing the band with new creative energy. This era signaled a renewal for Mayhem, allowing them to continue evolving their sound and presence in the metal world. The reformation marked a transition from their foundational years to more experimental approaches, setting the stage for future releases and tours.
2007

Release of Ordo Ad Chao and Critical Acclaim

Mayhem released the album Ordo Ad Chao in 2007, which showcased a more experimental and avant-garde approach to their black metal roots. The album was critically acclaimed for its atmosphere and musical innovation, earning the band the Spellemann Award for Best Heavy Metal Album—the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy. This marked a peak in their post-reformation career, demonstrating their ability to remain relevant and influential decades after their controversial beginnings. The release highlighted the band's evolution and enduring impact within the heavy metal community.

Albums

mayhem_1st_album
De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas
8 tracks
1994
mayhem_2nd_album
Grand Declaration of War
13 tracks
2000
mayhem_3rd_album
Chimera
8 tracks
2004
mayhem_4th_album
Ordo Ad Chao
8 tracks
2007
mayhem_5th_album
Esoteric Warfare
10 tracks
2014
mayhem_6th_album
Daemon
12 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Teloch

2011

Guitar

Hellhammer

1988

Drums (drum set)

Necrobutcher

1984

Bass guitar

Ghul

2012

Guitar

Attila Csihar

1993

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Dead

1988
1991

Lead vocals

Maniac

1986
2004

Lead vocals

Varg Vikernes

1992
1993

Bass guitar

Manheim

1984
1987

Drums (drum set)

Blasphemer

1995
2008

Guitar

Euronymous

1984
1993

Guitar

Torben Grue

N/A
N/A

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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