Pix by Sarah Gilpin
Words by Barbie
Poseurs and elitists look away now. This is the true Mayhem.
Mayhem’s 40th-anniversary tour is more than a show, this is a history lesson in true Norwegian black metal from the godfathers and pioneers – Mayhem.
From the outset, starting the show with Malum from the Daemon album, you can tell by Necrobutcher‘s on-stage prowl that this is his dark child. Laying down an onslaught of tracks from their last three albums you just know Mayhem are the real deal.
Then we are hit with the Maniac era. Possibly some of the darkest tunes ever recorded. Chimera. My death, crystallised again in deconstruction, view from Nihil and ancient skin are just pure weapons for Atilla‘s vocals. For two solid hours, his vocal performance was intense and spellbinding. His stage presence was gargantuan, adding more power to his wretched screams.
Both guitarists were in full attack all night, but their performance looked effortless. Then we get to Freezing Moon and all Hell breaks loose in the pit!
De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas brings back memories of old, and Hellhammer‘s battery of the skins is totally in point- this guy is a machine. Interaction from the band towards the crowd lets us know we are special, and this is only the first show of their Australian Tour!
From the big screen commentary to two hours of classic songs, it is impossible to cover everything this show threw at us. Funeral Fog begins with footage of DEAD – Per Yngve “Pelle” Ohlin on the big screen bringing an outpouring of souls for the legend, who in my opinion is the most influential human being in Black Metal.
Dead’s vocals were taped, and the band played to his voice (and gave Attila a break)… immeasurable force! Varg even made an appearance on the big screen, smirking as he was led by police to a prison cell.
The band left the stage, and you knew we were in for one hell of an encore!
Silvester Anfang begins and the crowd responds. This is Deathcrush Era and Deathcrush, chainsaw Gutsfuck and Carnage sends the crowd ballistic. Pure fucking Armageddon!
Thanks MAYHEM. See you back here for the 50th Anniversary. Euronymous would be proud. Total Death.
