Unveiling the Mayhem 1991 Album Cover: What Really Happened?
The cover of Mayhem's 1991 live album, *Dawn of the Black Hearts*, remains one of the most controversial and disturbing images in the history of extreme metal. Far from simple shock value, the photograph depicts the actual suicide of the band's vocalist, Per Yngve Ohlin, better known as Dead. The story behind the cover is fraught with tragedy, ethical debates, and accusations of exploitation. This article delves into the events surrounding the infamous image, separating fact from fiction and exploring the impact it continues to have.
The Dark Aura of Mayhem and Dead
Mayhem, a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984, quickly became notorious for their extreme lyrics, stage performances, and association with the emerging black metal scene's darker aspects. Dead, who joined the band in 1988, brought an even more intense and morbid sensibility. Known for self-harming on stage and burying his clothes before performances to achieve a "corpse-like" appearance, Dead's fascination with death was deeply unsettling, even within the already extreme confines of the black metal scene.
The Suicide and the Photograph
On April 8, 1991, Dead took his own life at a cabin owned by the band near Kråkstad, Norway. He used a shotgun and also cut his wrists. His suicide note, which simply read "Excuse all the blood," was left on the scene.
Enter Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth), Mayhem's guitarist and de facto leader. Upon discovering Dead's body, instead of immediately calling the authorities, Euronymous allegedly took photographs. While the exact motives remain debated, he later claimed he did it to "capture the moment" and preserve the "evil" atmosphere surrounding the band.
This decision has been heavily criticized and debated ever since. Was it a callous act of exploitation, a desperate attempt to solidify Mayhem's grim image, or a manifestation of Euronymous' own warped worldview? Regardless of the intent, the consequences were far-reaching.
*Dawn of the Black Hearts*: The Album Cover
The photograph, depicting Dead's lifeless body with a shotgun nearby, eventually made its way onto the cover of the *Dawn of the Black Hearts* live album. The album itself was a bootleg recording of a concert in Sarpsborg, Norway, released by Mauricio "Deadly" Montoya Botero, a Columbian record label owner. Montoya, knowing the shock value of the image, decided to use it as the album cover, further fueling the controversy.
- Bootleg Release: *Dawn of the Black Hearts* was not an official Mayhem release, adding to the ethical concerns.
- Limited Copies: Only a limited number of copies were initially pressed, making it a highly sought-after and controversial item among collectors.
- Global Distribution: Despite its limited run, the album's notoriety spread globally, solidifying Mayhem's infamy.
- Band Division: The incident further strained relations within Mayhem, particularly between Euronymous and bassist Necrobutcher, who left the band shortly after. Necrobutcher has repeatedly expressed his disgust and anger over the use of the photograph.
- Moral Debate: The album cover ignited a broader debate about the limits of artistic expression and the ethics of profiting from tragedy.
- Euronymous' Justification: Euronymous defended his actions by claiming it was in line with Mayhem's ethos of pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. However, this justification failed to appease critics.
The Aftermath and Ethical Implications
The release of *Dawn of the Black Hearts* sparked outrage and disgust, even within the extreme metal community. Many viewed it as a blatant act of exploitation and a gross disrespect for Dead's memory.
The Legacy of the Image
Decades later, the *Dawn of the Black Hearts* album cover continues to be a source of discomfort and fascination. It serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of extreme metal and the potential for exploitation and moral decay. The image has been analyzed in academic papers, discussed in documentaries, and remains a potent symbol of the black metal scene's controversial history.
While some argue that it's a necessary reminder of the band's history and Dead's tragic fate, others believe it should be relegated to the past, a shameful chapter in Mayhem's story. The debate surrounding the album cover highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of artistic expression and the ethical responsibilities that come with it.
The Death of Euronymous
Adding another layer to the tragedy, Euronymous himself was murdered in August 1993 by Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnackh) of Burzum. The murder was allegedly motivated by a financial dispute and personal animosity. This event further cemented Mayhem's place in black metal lore and added another layer of darkness to the already tragic story.
Conclusion
The *Dawn of the Black Hearts* album cover is more than just a shocking image; it's a symbol of tragedy, exploitation, and the dark underbelly of extreme metal. It represents the complex and often morally ambiguous choices made by individuals within the scene and raises profound questions about the ethics of artistic expression and the exploitation of death. The legacy of the image continues to provoke debate and serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and a fascination with the macabre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Euronymous take the photograph of Dead's body?
Euronymous claimed he took the photograph to "capture the moment" and preserve the "evil" atmosphere surrounding the band. However, many believe he did it for shock value and to solidify Mayhem's image as a band that pushed boundaries, regardless of the ethical implications.
2. Was *Dawn of the Black Hearts* an official Mayhem release?
No, *Dawn of the Black Hearts* was a bootleg live album released by a Columbian record label owner without the band's full consent or involvement in the artistic direction beyond the original performance.
3. How did the other members of Mayhem react to the album cover?
Bassist Necrobutcher was particularly disgusted and left the band shortly after the incident. He has repeatedly condemned the use of the photograph as exploitative and disrespectful to Dead's memory.
4. Is *Dawn of the Black Hearts* still available for purchase?
Original pressings of *Dawn of the Black Hearts* are rare and highly sought after by collectors. While bootleg copies may circulate, the official status and availability are debated. The image itself is widely available online, but purchasing the album is more about owning a piece of controversial history than supporting the band directly.
5. What is the significance of the *Dawn of the Black Hearts* album cover today?
The album cover remains a symbol of the dark side of extreme metal and the potential for exploitation and moral decay. It sparks debate about the limits of artistic expression and the ethics of profiting from tragedy, serving as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and a fascination with the macabre.
