By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, Mayhem will descend upon Rio, quite literally. The Norwegian extreme metal band, both hugely influential and controversial in equal measure, are going to be playing their 1994 album, ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’ in its entirety at Lapa’s Teatro Odisséia.
Black metal became arguably the most extreme form of music with the rise of Scandinavian bands in the early nineties, and there is no other band so embroiled in this period and emblematic of it than Mayhem.
‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’ was Mayhem’s first full-length album, released seven years after the band was formed. The album is a dark and heavy soundscape that hasn’t since been matched, with some of its reputation also being down to the violent incidents that surrounded the band at the time, including the death of their original lead singer and murder of another founding member.
Over two decades since the original release of ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas,’ Mayhem are embarking on a world tour with original members Hellhammer on the drums and Necrobutcher on the bass.
Singing with them is the original vocalist from this record, Attila Csihar, as well as guitarists Teloch (from fellow metal band, Gorgoroth) and Ghul (former guitarist of British band Cradle of Filth).
This world tour was embarked upon for a second time to celebrate the long-lasting relevance of ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas,’ whose relentless beats, acerbic riffs and guttural vocals changed the face of metal music forever.
That original uncompromising sound that has inspired so much in its wake is back, promising to be even more explosive and overwhelming now that it is being performed live by the members who lived and created the original Mayhem.
This concert will not be for the faint-hearted, with plenty of grisly imagery, gloomy theatrics, and ear-drum splitting sounds. Because of this, it is only for ticket holders of eighteen years or older.
However, fans of the original prince of darkness, Ozzy Osborne, or even those who caught the Foo Fighters with Queens of the Stone Age, or perhaps even Rock in Rio, could find themselves in for a gothic, theatrical treat.
This is the band’s fifth time in Brazil. Last time they were here, Necrobutcher commented in an interview, “I think we are privileged, traveling around the world, playing, and obviously, we are going to Brazil again.”
Adding, “[…] it is an honor to touch our Brazilian audience, for the passion, dedication, and I can not wait to get there, to Curitiba, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.”
What: Mayhem
When: Friday, June 8th; doors open at 6PM
Where: Teatro Odisséia, Av. Mem de Sá, 66 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20230-152
Entrance: R$90-R$220, available here; ticket holders must be at least eighteen years old.