Page "Mayhem (band)" Paragraph 4

Inspired by groups such as Venom, Slayer, Motörhead and Celtic Frost, Mayhem were founded in 1984 by guitarist and vocalist Øystein Aarseth ( known initially as " Destructor ", later " Euronymous "), bassist Jørn Stubberud (" Necrobutcher "), and drummer Kjetil Manheim, taking their band name from the Venom song " Mayhem with Mercy ".

This lineup recorded and released the demo Pure Fucking Armageddon.

After its release, Euronymous concentrated solely on guitar after recruiting first Eirik Nordheim (" Messiah "), then Sven Erik Kristiansen (" Maniac ") as vocalists in 1986.

With Maniac, Mayhem recorded its first EP, Deathcrush, in 1986 and 1987, and released it through Euronymous ' newly-formed label Posercorpse Music.