The Norwegian black metal scene has always been shrouded in mystery and controversy. One of the most infamous releases from this genre is Mayhem’s bootleg live album, “Dawn of the Black Hearts.”
The Norwegian Mayhem Album Cover 1991 is notorious for its disturbing imagery and grim history. This article delves into the controversy, the album’s significance, and its lasting impact on the black metal genre.
Dawn of the Black Hearts – A Controversial Release
The “Norwegian Mayhem Album Cover 1991” became infamous due to its shocking cover image. The album features a photograph of the band’s vocalist, Dead, after he committed suicide in April 1991. This image, captured by the band’s guitarist Euronymous, has led to widespread controversy. It is often cited as one of the most disturbing album covers in music history.
The original release of “Dawn of the Black Hearts” happened in 1995. It was launched by Warmaster Records, a Colombian label owned by Mauricio “Bull Metal” Montoya. Montoya was a pen pal of Euronymous and had access to the photograph. The initial version included eight tracks recorded during a live performance in Sarpsborg, Norway, on February 28, 1990.
Over the years, the album has seen numerous reissues. Various independent labels have re-released it, often adding four extra tracks from a 1986 concert. Despite being a semi-official release, “Dawn of the Black Hearts” is frequently listed among Mayhem’s main albums. Its notoriety has ensured its place in the annals of black metal history.
A Detailed Look at The Dawn of the Black Hearts Album
The Band Members and Their Contributions
Mayhem’s lineup for “Dawn of the Black Hearts” consisted of some of the most iconic figures in black metal. The original live recording featured Dead on vocals, Euronymous on guitar, Necrobutcher on bass, and Hellhammer on drums. Each member brought a unique element to the band’s sound and performance.
Dead, whose real name was Per Yngve Ohlin, was known for his intense, eerie stage presence. His commitment to the macabre and his tragic death have made him a legendary figure in black metal. Euronymous, born Øystein Aarseth, was the band’s guitarist and a pivotal figure in the Norwegian black metal scene. He was known for his dark philosophy and influence on the genre.
Necrobutcher, or Jørn Stubberud, played bass and was one of the band’s founding members. He provided the heavy, driving rhythms that underpinned Mayhem’s sound. Hellhammer, born Jan Axel Blomberg, was the drummer known for his technical prowess and speed. Together, these members created a sound that was raw, aggressive, and distinctly black metal.
The re-released versions of the album included additional tracks featuring different band members. “Billy” Messiah provided vocals, and Manheim played drums on the bonus tracks. These contributions added another layer to the album’s complexity and historical significance.
The Influence of the Album
“Dawn of the Black Hearts” is not just notorious for its cover; it is also one of the most bootlegged albums in metal history. Its raw sound and controversial imagery have ensured its place in the black metal pantheon. Despite its semi-official status, the album is often regarded as a cornerstone of the genre.
The album’s influence extends beyond its notoriety. It captures a raw, unfiltered snapshot of Mayhem’s live performance at a time when the band was shaping the black metal sound. The energy, aggression, and dark atmosphere present in the live recordings have inspired countless bands in the genre.
Moreover, the album’s controversial cover and the story behind it have become part of black metal lore. The image of Dead’s lifeless body is a stark reminder of the extreme lifestyle and philosophy that characterized early Norwegian black metal. This notoriety has contributed to the album’s lasting impact and continued relevance.
The 2017 Official Reissue
In 2017, Mayhem officially reissued “Dawn of the Black Hearts” under the name “Live in Sarpsborg.” This reissue aimed to provide improved audio quality and a new cover. The new cover featured a photo of Necrobutcher, replacing the disturbing original image.
The improved audio quality of the reissue allowed fans to appreciate the raw energy of Mayhem’s live performance with greater clarity. The reissue also included the same tracks from the original live recording, maintaining the historical significance of the album.
The decision to change the cover was a significant move. While the original image had become iconic, it was also a source of controversy and discomfort. The new cover provided a more respectful representation of the band and its legacy. This reissue allowed a new generation of fans to experience the album while acknowledging its dark history.
Mayhem Chronology
1. De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas
“De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” is perhaps the most iconic album in Mayhem’s discography. Released in 1994, it is considered a cornerstone of the black metal genre. The album’s creation, however, was marred by tragedy and scandal. The band’s vocalist, Per Yngve Ohlin, known as Dead, had tragically committed suicide in 1991.
This event shook the band to its core and led to a series of shocking actions by Euronymous, who took photographs of Dead’s body. The album’s dark and atmospheric sound, combined with the real-life horror surrounding its production, made it a cult classic. The lineup for this album included Euronymous on guitar, Hellhammer on drums, and Attila Csihar on vocals.
2. The Dawn of the Black Hearts
“The Dawn of the Black Hearts” is another significant, albeit infamous, release by Mayhem. This live album, released in 1995, is notorious for its cover featuring a photograph of Dead’s corpse, taken by Euronymous. The album captures the raw energy and chaotic spirit of Mayhem’s live performances.
Despite its controversial cover, the music itself is a testament to the band’s ferocious live presence. The album includes tracks like “Deathcrush” and “Freezing Moon,” which are staples in their live sets. This release further cemented Mayhem’s reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing the macabre.
3. Out from the Dark
“Out from the Dark” is a compilation that features rehearsal recordings from 1989, showcasing the raw, unpolished sound of early Mayhem. This album is a treasure trove for fans who want to delve into the band’s formative years. The recordings feature Dead on vocals, Euronymous on guitar, Necrobutcher on bass, and Hellhammer on drums.
Tracks like “Carnage” and “Necrolust” highlight the band’s evolving style and the unique vocal delivery of Dead. This compilation provides a glimpse into the raw energy and creativity that would later define Mayhem’s sound.
Mayhem Band Overview & Members
Mayhem’s history is as complex and dark as their music. The band was formed by Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous), Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and Kjetil Manheim. Euronymous was the driving force behind Mayhem, known for his guitar work and his role in shaping the band’s aesthetic. Necrobutcher provided the heavy bass lines that underscored their sound, while Manheim’s drumming added a relentless, pounding rhythm.
In 1988, the lineup was bolstered by the addition of Jan Axel Blomberg (Hellhammer) on drums and Swedish vocalist Per Yngve Ohlin (Dead). Dead’s arrival marked a turning point for the band. His stage presence, characterized by self-mutilation and the use of animal heads, added a new level of shock and horror to their performances. His vocals, haunting and otherworldly, became a defining feature of Mayhem’s sound.
Tragically, Dead’s life was cut short in 1991 when he took his own life. This event had a profound impact on the band. Euronymous’s decision to photograph Dead’s body and use the images for promotional purposes caused a rift within the band, leading to Necrobutcher’s departure.
The band’s story took another dark turn in 1993 when Euronymous was murdered by former member Varg Vikernes. Vikernes, who had joined the band as a bassist, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to prison. This event led to the temporary disbandment of Mayhem.
Despite these tragedies, Mayhem reformed in 1995 with the return of Necrobutcher and Hellhammer. They were joined by new members, including vocalists Maniac and Attila Csihar. The band continued to release music, including notable albums like “Grand Declaration of War” and “Chimera.” Their resilience and dedication to their craft have allowed them to maintain a significant presence in the black metal scene.
Conclusion
The “Norwegian Mayhem Album Cover 1991” is a significant piece of black metal history. “Dawn of the Black Hearts” is infamous for its disturbing cover image and the grim story behind it. Despite this, the album has had a lasting impact on the black metal genre and continues to be a pivotal part of Mayhem’s legacy.
From its controversial release to its numerous reissues, the album has remained relevant in the metal community. The contributions of the band members and the raw energy of the live recordings have cemented its place in black metal history. The 2017 official reissue allowed the album to be appreciated by new fans, while also addressing some of its more controversial aspects.
“Dawn of the Black Hearts” is more than just an album; it is a testament to the extreme and often dark world of early Norwegian black metal. Its legacy continues to influence and inspire, making it a crucial part of Mayhem’s discography and black metal history.
