'''Mayhem''' is a Norwegian black metal band formed 1984 based in Oslo. They regarded as one of the pioneers of the Norwegian black metal scene. Mayhem's career has been highly controversial, primarily due to their violent stage performances, the suicide of vocalist [[Per Yngve Ohlin]] ("Dead") and the murder of guitarist [[Øystein Aarseth]] ("Euronymous") by former member [[Varg Vikernes]] ("Count Grishnackh"), of [[Burzum]]. Mayhem was founded by Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous), Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and Kjetil (Manheim). The band name is taken from the Venom song, "Mayhem with Mercy". During the early years, the band used either session vocalists Messiah or Maniac for live/studio commitments, and played either instrumentally, or with Necrobutcher or Euronymous on vocals during rehearsals. By late 1987 both Manheim and Maniac had left the band, their positions were filled temporarily by members of Vomit, before vocalist Dead, and drummer Hellhammer took over in 1988.