Mayhem: Black Metal's Dark Past Fuels New Rituals

Founded near Oslo in 1984, Mayhem is an iconic black metal band whose history is steeped in tragedy. The band's early years were marked by the suicide of vocalist Dead and the murder of guitarist Euronymous by Varg Vikernes, who had played on their debut album, 'De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.'

Despite these dark events, Mayhem has consistently regrouped, releasing significant albums like 'Grand Declaration of War' and 'Chimera.' The current lineup, featuring vocalist Attila Csihar, bassist Necrobutcher, drummer Hellhammer, and guitarists Ghul and Teloch, has remained stable, allowing for the creation of ritualistic and atmospheric music.

Their latest album, 'Liturgy of Death,' completes a trilogy of albums that pay homage to Norwegian Second Wave black metal classics. While this iteration is less experimental than previous ones, it delivers powerful tracks like 'Despair' and 'Weep for Nothing.'

'Liturgy of Death' also showcases Mayhem's ability to incorporate weirder elements, with Csihar's unique vocals and unsettling instrumental passages that break from black metal orthodoxy, such as in 'Realm of Endless Misery.'