Blasphemer Leaves Mayhem
Long time guitarist and song writer for Mayhem, Blasphemer (aka Rune Eriksen), has decided to call it quits with the band. Here is what he had to say:
“It is with these written words that I hereby retract myself from my position as the guitar player of Mayhem.
The main reason behind this conclusion lies in the fact that I simply don’t see any future for me in the band anymore, at least not a future I’d like to participate in over the coming years. I’ve been playing my part in the band now for more than 13 years already, having composed, produced and released several albums with great vision, dedication and craftsmanship, to arrive at this crossroad of opposites. Sooner or later, all things comes to an end, and in my case, this circle is complete.
For some of you this might not come as the biggest surprise, as I’ve clearly stated in several interviews that I was not sure what the next step would be. These ‘hints’ were partly rooted in the fact that our latest album fulfilled all of the expectations, visions and aspects of negativity that I felt I wanted to express with this band, and also, of similar importance, that I felt tired of both the touring aspects, amidst its turbulence and personal differences, and also my role in the band.
It has been a dark, devoted and spellbinding journey, and as some beings and entities develop, others remain the same. I’ve developed my essence. No questions. However, the legacy of Mayhem will / must always remain what it always has been, and I wish to thank all parts involved and to wish them all the best for the future. I also would like to thank my followers over the years, from ‘Wolf’s Lair…’ to ‘Ordo…,’ my vision has been clear. I’m also sure the band will continue with a respectful formation, and that an eventual album will be placed ‘up there’ where it (should) belong.
I have now personally chosen to focus on other paths in terms of creativity and vision. My ‘child of heart” Ava Inferi has already a busy schedule for the future and our third album is being crafted as we speak. I will also resurface with new will and blood in a future extreme project. You have not heard the last of me, on the contrary. It’s all about to begin.
Note that the few already scheduled shows will go on as planned WITH me.”
This has been coming. I’m surprised it took this long.
Mayhem have effectively burned every bridge they’ve crossed over the past four years. First, Maniac was asked to leave, which was bad enough, then the craptalk from Necrobutcher made it an even worse situation. Then, Hellhammer’s hijinks, joining Dimmu Borgir and making that project his priority. The long-awaited US tour was already doomed because of this, before the arm issue had even happened. The tour was promised to be rescheduled, but not another word on the matter, a year later.
Blasphemer has been carrying Mayhem almost by himself, writing everything since he joined. Necrobutcher, who appears to believe he’s the de facto leader of the band, not only doesn’t write anything but he doesn’t even play on the records. Blasphemer had to cover for him as well. So why would anyone in the band find themselves at odds with Blasphemer? He has worked his ass off and only wanted Mayhem to be an active band, touring and recording. Isn’t that the goal of any group? Connect with the audience? What’s the problem?
The problem is simple.
Mayhem doesn’t care about their audience. They want to ride the momentum of a legacy, and only on very occasional effort.
All the speculation of who will replace Blasphemer is academic. He WAS the band. If the name goes on, which it probably will (after all, why not? It’s not like they actually do much of anything) it won’t be as a progression. They’ll end up as a very rarely performing best-of jukebox. Going from one town one month to another town six months later playing ‘Deathcrush’, ‘Freezing Moon’, etc.
Mayhem are over. This is the end, whether the name is officially retired or not.
An excellent post my friend. I completely agree with everything you said. Please post more often!
mayhem died with euronymous
personally-who cares? I was never sold on his “writing” abilities anyhow. By far the best recording since “De..” was “Ordo”, which, to give him credit, he wrote. But “Grand” was garbage and “Crapmeira” was horrid. So all in all-I say it’s good for the band.
Hellhammer and Necro should bring in Snorre to write for the next one. Some of the more interesting guitar riffs from “De.” were written by Snorre. He has more much more feeling than Asscreamer. Not as technical, but really-again-who cares?? Technical doesnt mean shit. Ask Billy Sheehan. Or anyone from “Cacophony”
Mayhem is dead. Long live Mayhem.
i think that mayhem is on the edge without blasphemer
i agrea that “a grand declaration of war” didin’t realy work and “chimera” sucked and that “ordo ad choa” was the same as “grand”
but all the other albums from “death…” to “wolf’s..” were gret becaus of blasphemer dead maniac and attila
i think it is time for mayhem to resigne or redo the great ol stuf yhey did
i am 14 live i lebanon and listen to them when i was 11 thanks for my brother who is sometime in germany
Thanks for commenting Charbel, and welcome to the site!
I’m just curious why Blasphemer would put up with Necrobutcher if that is the case, and not have him fired for doing nothing. I wonder why he put up with that? I don’t know, I don’t know the story. I do think they will soon disappeer if they dont start acting like a band. The start was getting Attilla back, who I think produced Ordo with Blasphemer I love the album (Grand and Chimera, could of been much better). We will see, but I think Necrobutcher needs to go. From what I hear, he’s the problem in the band.