Review and photography: Nate Rose
Violent or Extreme disorder; Chaos.
There should be a picture of Black Metal pioneers Mayhem right next to that description in the Oxford Dictionary because that is exactly what this band has brought to the table for 40 years. A career that has been marked by Controversy since the early days due to their notorious live performances, the burning of Churches, the suicide of vocalist ‘Dead‘ and the murder of guitarist ‘Euronymous‘ by former member ‘Count Grishnackh‘
Violence and Chaos goes hand in hand with Black Metal Kings.
Tonight, Brisbane’s Princess Theatre provided an intimate yet suitably menacing backdrop for one of black metal’s most notorious acts. Mayhem The Norwegian pioneers of the genre are on their 40th anniversary tour, and while the setting might have been smaller than the cavernous arenas of their past, the intensity was anything but scaled back.
Opening tonight’s proceedings were Host, a band I was not familiar with but walked away after their set intrigued. This was not your typical band, under a dark blue hue the Dark Noise act captured the attention of the crowd with lo-fi vocals, eerie sounds and battle like thunderous drums. Although polar opposites in the way of music to the headliners, It was a perfect opening act I thought, setting the tone for the night.
As the giant black curtain that hid the stage from us dropped revealing a massive screen, a nostalgic career spanning video played, it was a fitting intro and the haunting atmosphere began to envelop the venue, the crowd’s anticipation was palpable. Mayhem, often described as the very embodiment of black metal’s raw, uncompromising spirit, took the stage with the eerie thunder of their opening track ‘Malum‘ setting the tone for what was to come.
The band’s lineup, including founding members Necrobutcher and Hellhammer, alongside Attila Csihar’s unholy, serpentine vocals, immediately commanded attention.
The setlist was a perfect balance of old-school anthems and newer material, taking the audience on a journey through their tumultuous and often controversial history. Classics like ‘Freezing Moon’ and ‘Deathcrush‘ felt just as fresh and impactful as when they were first unleashed decades ago. ‘Funeral Fog‘ featured the recorded vocals of Dead which was a nice touch and nod to the late vocalist. The reverence of the crowd was undeniable, but there was also an unmistakable energy in the air—this was not just a celebration of their legacy, but a declaration that Mayhem’s fire burns as bright as ever.
Attila‘s performance was otherworldly, this was the first time I had ever seen Mayhem and I could not take my eyes off him. His eerie, ritualistic presence adding a sense of danger and mysticism to every song. Dressed in an almost Pope like garb, he prowled the stage, his guttural growls and wailing screams resonating through the rafters. Necrobutcher, the stalwart bassist, remained stoic in his grim demeanor, while Hellhammer’s drumming—thunderous, relentless, and precise—was nothing short of a masterclass in extremity.
The production, though minimal, was equally potent, with visuals that complemented the band’s brutal sonic assault. It wasn’t just the music; it was the atmosphere, the sense of reverence for what Mayhem represents in the black metal canon. Each riff felt like a hammer blow, each scream a howl of defiance against the mundane.
Although it was a far cry from the violent early crowds of the bands career in Oslo, the crowd was fully immersed in the experience, moshing, headbanging and taking in every inch of the performance. But what made the night even more compelling was the sheer unity between the band and the fans. The 40th anniversary tour is a testament to Mayhem’s endurance, and the mutual respect between the stage and the pit was undeniable. This wasn’t just another gig—it was an event. The culmination of four decades of chaos, artistry, and dark devotion.
As they closed with the iconic ‘Pure Fucking Armageddon’ and the lights dimmed for the final time, it was clear that Mayhem had delivered more than just a performance. They had delivered a ritual, a celebration of their legacy, and a reminder that black metal, at its core, it’s a force of nature. Brisbane may have been a long way from Oslo, but in that moment, it felt like the heart of black metal itself.
Mayhem, still dangerous, still defiant, forever holding their place in metal history. Here’s to another 40 years.
MAYHEM with guest HOST performing at:
Jan 10th – Sydney, Metro Theatre
Jan 12th – Melbourne, Northcote Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW at:
SYDNEY – www.ticketek.com.au
MELBOURNE – www.moshtix.com.au
– GALLERY –
