Mayhem Band Album Cover 1991: A Beginner's Guide to "Dawn of the Black Hearts"

The album cover for Mayhem's live bootleg, "Dawn of the Black Hearts," released in 1991, isn't just a piece of artwork; it's a deeply unsettling and controversial artifact in the history of black metal. Featuring a photograph of the deceased vocalist Per Yngve Ohlin, known as "Dead," it's a visual statement that transcends the music and delves into themes of death, darkness, and the extreme boundaries of artistic expression. This guide aims to demystify the context surrounding this notorious cover, explaining its significance, the controversies it sparked, and the lasting impact it has had on the black metal scene.

Understanding the Context: Mayhem and the Second Wave

Before diving into the specifics of the cover, it's crucial to understand the backdrop of Mayhem and the burgeoning black metal scene in the early 1990s. Black metal, a subgenre of heavy metal, was already developing a distinct aesthetic characterized by raw production, anti-Christian themes, and a focus on atmosphere. Mayhem, a Norwegian band, was at the forefront of what became known as the "Second Wave" of black metal. This wave pushed the genre to even more extreme territories, both musically and ideologically.

Key characteristics of this era included:

• Low-Fidelity Recording (Lo-Fi): Black metal bands intentionally opted for raw, often poorly produced recordings. This was partially due to financial constraints but also served to create a harsh, unsettling atmosphere.


• Satanic and Pagan Themes: While not all black metal bands were explicitly Satanic, anti-Christian sentiment was a common thread. Many bands also explored themes of Norse mythology and pre-Christian paganism.


• Theatricality and Corpse Paint: Bands adopted a theatrical image, often wearing corpse paint (black and white face paint) to resemble corpses. This was intended to create a macabre and intimidating presence.


• Extremism and Controversy: The scene was marked by acts of vandalism, arson (particularly church burnings), and a general rejection of societal norms.

Mayhem, with its dedication to extremity and its troubled members, became a focal point for this movement.

The Tragedy of Dead and the Photograph

In April 1991, Per Yngve Ohlin, "Dead," committed suicide. He was found by guitarist Øystein Aarseth, known as "Euronymous." Instead of immediately calling the police, Euronymous allegedly took photographs of the scene before doing so. One of these photographs, purportedly taken by Euronymous himself, became the cover for "Dawn of the Black Hearts."

Key Elements of the Cover and Their Significance:

• The Image: The photograph is, understandably, deeply disturbing. It depicts Dead's body after his suicide, capturing a moment of profound tragedy.


• The Album Title: "Dawn of the Black Hearts": The title itself adds to the unsettling nature of the release. It suggests a new beginning or an awakening of darkness, linking Dead's death to the broader themes of black metal.


• The Bootleg Nature: "Dawn of the Black Hearts" was a bootleg, meaning it was an unofficial release. This further contributes to its underground and controversial status. The poor sound quality of the recordings also aligns with the lo-fi aesthetic of the scene.

Why is the Cover So Controversial?

The cover of "Dawn of the Black Hearts" is controversial for several reasons:

• Exploitation of Death: Critics argue that using a photograph of Dead's suicide is a blatant exploitation of his death for shock value and commercial gain. They see it as disrespectful to Dead and his family.


• Ethical Considerations: The act of taking the photograph itself, and then using it for profit, raises serious ethical questions about Euronymous's actions and motivations.


• Normalization of Death and Violence: The cover contributes to a perception of black metal as a genre that glorifies death and violence. While not all black metal bands endorse such things, the image reinforces this association.

Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions:

• Thinking it's just a marketing stunt: While the controversy undoubtedly contributed to the album's notoriety, dismissing it as solely a marketing tactic ignores the deeper issues of exploitation and ethical responsibility.


• Equating all black metal to this image: It's important to remember that "Dawn of the Black Hearts" is an extreme example and doesn't represent the entirety of the black metal genre. Many black metal bands have nothing to do with the events surrounding this album.


• Ignoring the mental health aspect: Dead was known to struggle with depression and mental illness. Reducing his suicide to a mere aesthetic choice ignores the complex realities of mental health.

Practical Examples and Lasting Impact:

The "Dawn of the Black Hearts" cover has had a lasting impact on the black metal scene and beyond:

• Increased Awareness of Black Metal: The controversy surrounding the cover brought black metal to the attention of a wider audience, although often in a negative light.


• Ethical Debates: It sparked ongoing debates about the ethics of using death and tragedy in art. These debates continue to be relevant in discussions about artistic boundaries and the responsibilities of artists.


• Division within the Black Metal Scene: The cover created a rift within the black metal scene, with some bands and fans condemning Euronymous's actions and others defending them as a form of artistic expression.


• Inspiration (and Cautionary Tale) for Extreme Art: While many find it abhorrent, the cover has inadvertently served as an example of pushing artistic boundaries to their absolute limit. It's a reminder of the potential consequences of such extreme choices.

Conclusion:

The album cover for Mayhem's "Dawn of the Black Hearts" is more than just a picture; it's a complex symbol of the dark side of black metal, the tragedy of Dead's suicide, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding art and exploitation. Understanding the historical context, the key elements of the cover, and the controversies it sparked is essential for anyone interested in the history of black metal and the ongoing debates about artistic boundaries and responsibility. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of images and the importance of considering the ethical implications of their creation and consumption. While the image remains deeply disturbing, understanding its context allows for a more nuanced and informed perspective on its significance.