Words by CeeCee
Photos – Mitch


Since their 2023 tour, this iconic band appears to have gained a new generation of fans, as evidenced by the freshly painted faces among the crowd at this show. It’s a testament to the timelessness of their music—proof that a band like this will continue to resonate with younger generations drawn to the raw power of True Norwegian Black Metal. Among the sea of fans, the original followers stood proudly, clad in their battle jackets and vests, embodying decades of loyalty. This 40th-anniversary show was a powerful reminder that this band’s legacy is eternal. 


The evening featured a special guest performance by Host, a three-piece band hailing from Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. They opened their set with a powerful drumbeat that immediately grabbed my attention—and that of the entire crowd—pulling all eyes toward the stage. Despite playing only three songs and leaving the stage without saying a single word, they made a lasting impact.

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Their sound was suspenseful and eerie, wrapped in an air of mystery that captivated the audience. Drummer N.R., referred to as “pulse and time,” delivered beats that reverberated through the theater, all while performing standing up in some parts. N.J., responsible for “noise, hallucinations, and conduct,” contributed to the haunting atmosphere with dissonant and otherworldly sounds. Meanwhile, vocalist L.O.N.S., aptly described as the embodiment of “voice, breath, and chaos,” brought a chaotic energy that tied the performance together.

The combination of their distinctive elements created an enigmatic and unforgettable experience.

A video played in the background, showcasing a collection of photos and clips chronicling the band’s history, from their early beginnings to the present day. It highlighted pivotal figures like Euronymous, the band’s founder, and former lead singer Dead, both of whom tragically passed away but left behind an enduring legacy: the monumental empire that is Mayhem. From its inception, the band has unleashed chaos upon the soundscape of black metal.

The stage lights dimmed, and the band emerged with Attila Csihar adorned in his signature corpse paint, dripping in blood. The atmosphere was electric.

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The crowd’s energy was palpable, erupting into a wild mosh pit by the second song, “Bad Blood.” Arms swung, bodies collided, and the floor pulsed with movement. Bassist Necrobutcher pointed into the crowd, adding to the frenzy, as more imagery flashed across the screen—photos of the band over the years intertwined with glimpses of horrors from around the world.

As they launched into their sixth song, “Chimera,” Attila Csihar returned to the stage wearing a beret, exuding a commanding presence. His dominance over the crowd remained unshaken as the set continued with tracks like “My Death,” “View From Nihil,” and “A Grand Declaration of War.” During this segment, he brought out a noose and a cross crafted from bones, intensifying the theatricality of the performance.

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After delivering “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas,” the band briefly left the stage. In their absence, a video of Dead played, featuring voice recordings from his time in Mayhem. The band reemerged cloaked in long black robes with hoods, performing “Funeral Fog” with Dead’s original vocals layered over the live music—a chilling homage that sent the crowd into an uproar.

The night pressed on with classics from their early catalog, including “Chainsaw Gutsfuck” and “Deathcrush.” Towards the end of the night, the mosh pit had transformed into a sweaty, chaotic frenzy, with shirtless men colliding in a sea of raw energy and adrenaline.

It all culminated in the ferocious finale, “Pure Fucking Armageddon,” towardsthe end in which Attila Csihar collapsed dramatically on the floor. Meanwhile, Necrobutcher finished what appeared to be a bottle of wine, adding a chaotic yet fitting end to the performance.

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Before leaving the stage, Attila ripped up the setlists, wiping his face with them before handing pieces to fans in the crowd—a final gesture of connection and chaos to cap off an unforgettable night.

The night was a true homage to the band’s enduring legacy in the metal world and their rich, storied history. A heartfelt thanks to the teams at Soundworks Touring, Cult Ettiquite PR and Northcote Theatre for hosting this unforgettable experience.

EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL