The Truth About the "Dawn of the Black Hearts" Cover: A Beginner's Guide to Mayhem's Infamous Image

The album cover for Mayhem's bootleg live album, "Dawn of the Black Hearts," is arguably one of the most notorious and disturbing images in the history of music. It's not just a striking piece of artwork; it's a gruesome photograph depicting the aftermath of the suicide of Per Yngve Ohlin, better known as Dead, Mayhem's vocalist. Understanding the context, the controversies, and the legacy surrounding this cover is crucial to grasping a significant, albeit disturbing, piece of black metal history. This guide aims to break down the key concepts, common pitfalls in discussing it, and provide practical examples to help you understand the truth about this shocking image.

Key Concepts: Setting the Stage

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand the core concepts surrounding this album cover:

  • Mayhem: A Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984. They are considered pioneers of the genre and are known for their extreme music, controversial stage performances, and association with the early Norwegian black metal scene.

  • Black Metal: A subgenre of heavy metal characterized by its extreme tempos, distorted guitars, raw production, and often anti-Christian or misanthropic lyrics and imagery. The early Norwegian black metal scene was particularly notorious for its association with church arsons and violence.

  • Dead (Per Yngve Ohlin): Mayhem's vocalist from 1988 until his suicide in 1991. He was known for his intensely dark and theatrical stage presence, often self-harming during performances and burying his clothes to achieve a "corpse-like" appearance. He was deeply fascinated with death and darkness.

  • Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth): Mayhem's guitarist, founder, and de facto leader. He was a central figure in the early Norwegian black metal scene and owned the record label Deathlike Silence Productions. His actions surrounding Dead's suicide are at the center of the controversy.

  • Bootleg Album: An unofficial release, often a live recording, made without the consent of the band or record label. "Dawn of the Black Hearts" is a bootleg recording of a Mayhem concert in Sarpsborg, Norway, in 1990.

  • The Inner Circle: A loosely defined group of individuals associated with the early Norwegian black metal scene, known for their extremist views and involvement in criminal activities like church arsons.

    • The Event: Dead's Suicide and the Photograph

    On April 8, 1991, Dead committed suicide by slitting his wrists and shooting himself in the head with a shotgun. He left a suicide note that read, "Excuse the blood, but I have slit my wrists and neck. The intention was to die in the woods so that it would take a few days before I was found. I did this not because of anything better, but rather because of nothing at all."

    The shocking part? Euronymous discovered Dead's body and, instead of immediately calling the police, he allegedly took photographs of the scene. One of these photographs, showing Dead's lifeless body with a shotgun nearby, became the cover of "Dawn of the Black Hearts."

    Why is it so Controversial?

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

  • Disrespect for the Dead: Using a photograph of a suicide victim as an album cover is seen as deeply disrespectful and exploitative. It trivializes Dead's mental health struggles and reduces his death to a spectacle.

  • Euronymous's Actions: Euronymous's decision to photograph the body and use it for profit is widely condemned. Many believe he exploited Dead's death for personal gain and to further his own image as a "true" and "evil" black metal musician.

  • Ethical Concerns: The photograph raises serious ethical questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of artists to treat sensitive subjects with respect.

  • The Dark Side of Black Metal: The cover became a symbol of the darker, more nihilistic, and sometimes criminal aspects of the early Norwegian black metal scene. It solidified the genre's association with shock value and transgression.

    • Common Pitfalls in Discussing the Cover

    Navigating a discussion about the "Dawn of the Black Hearts" cover can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Glorifying Violence or Suicide: It's crucial to avoid romanticizing or glorifying violence or suicide. Dead's death was a tragedy, and the cover should be discussed with sensitivity and respect for his memory.

  • Justifying Euronymous's Actions: While understanding the historical context is important, it's essential to avoid justifying Euronymous's exploitative behavior. His actions were unethical and deeply hurtful to Dead's family and friends.

  • Oversimplifying the Issues: The cover raises complex questions about art, ethics, and mental health. Avoid oversimplifying these issues and consider the different perspectives involved.

  • Sensationalizing the Gore: Focus on the context and the ethical implications of the image, rather than solely on the shock value of the gore.

  • Equating all Black Metal to this Image: While this cover is iconic, it doesn't represent the entirety of the black metal genre. Many black metal bands have nothing to do with the events surrounding Mayhem and the "Inner Circle."

    • Practical Examples: Understanding the Impact

    To better understand the impact of the "Dawn of the Black Hearts" cover, consider these examples:

  • The Band's Internal Conflicts: The events surrounding Dead's suicide and Euronymous's actions contributed to the eventual breakup of the original Mayhem lineup. Varg Vikernes, another prominent figure in the Norwegian black metal scene, murdered Euronymous in 1993, citing personal and ideological differences. This event further cemented the band's legacy of violence and controversy.

  • The Documentary "Until the Light Takes Us": This documentary provides a detailed look at the early Norwegian black metal scene and explores the motivations and philosophies of the individuals involved. It offers valuable context for understanding the events surrounding Dead's suicide and the "Dawn of the Black Hearts" cover.

  • The Film "Lords of Chaos": This fictionalized account of the early Norwegian black metal scene, based on the book of the same name, depicts the events surrounding Dead's suicide and the controversy surrounding the album cover. While the film takes creative liberties, it offers a glimpse into the mindset of the individuals involved and the impact of their actions.

  • Modern Black Metal's Response: Many modern black metal bands and fans distance themselves from the events surrounding Mayhem and the "Inner Circle," emphasizing the musical and artistic aspects of the genre rather than the violence and controversy. This demonstrates a conscious effort to separate the music from the more problematic aspects of its history.

Conclusion: A Disturbing Legacy

The "Dawn of the Black Hearts" album cover remains a disturbing and controversial image. It serves as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of the early Norwegian black metal scene and the ethical challenges inherent in artistic expression. By understanding the context, avoiding common pitfalls, and considering the impact of the image, you can engage in a more informed and respectful discussion about this infamous piece of black metal history. Remember that Dead's death was a tragedy, and the cover should be discussed with sensitivity and a critical eye towards the exploitative actions that led to its creation. It's a reminder that extreme art can come at a high cost, and that the line between artistic expression and exploitation can be easily blurred.