Mayhem

Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Oslo in 1984. They were one of the pioneers of the Norwegian black metal scene, and their music has profoundly influenced the black metal genre. Mayhem's early career was marked by several controversies, including their notorious live performances, the 1991 suicide of vocalist Per Yngve Ohlin ("Dead"), and the 1993 murder of guitarist Øystein Aarseth ("Euronymous") by former bassist Varg Vikernes ("Count Grishnackh").

The group released a demo and an EP, which were highly influential and amassed a devoted following. Their sporadic live performances added to Mayhem's infamy, and the band was also noted for their connections to a series of Norwegian church arsons and other crimes. Mayhem temporarily disbanded following Aarseth's murder, shortly before the release of their debut album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.

In 1995, Mayhem reformed with new guitarist Rune Eriksen ("Blasphemer") and three members from earlier incarnations: drummer Jan Axel Blomberg ("Hellhammer"), bassist Jørn Stubberud ("Necrobutcher"), and vocalist Sven Erik Kristiansen ("Maniac"). Attila Csihar and Morten Iversen ("Teloch") have since replaced Kristiansen and Eriksen, respectively. Their post-Aarseth material is characterized by increased experimentation. The 2007 album Ordo Ad Chao, received the Spellemann Award for Best Heavy Metal Album and later received the Honorary Award in 2021.