Mayhem's "Dawn Of The Black Hearts": The Controversial Cover & Story
What happens when art crosses the line of ethical boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on both the art world and the collective consciousness? Mayhem's Dawn of the Black Hearts , a bootleg album featuring a photograph of their deceased vocalist, Per "Dead" Ohlin, at the scene of his suicide, stands as a stark embodiment of this controversial intersection.
Released in 1995, years after the tragic events it depicted, the album became a lightning rod for debate, sparking discussions about the limits of artistic expression and the commodification of death. This infamous release, more than just a collection of songs, became a symbol of the band's association with the darker aspects of the black metal subculture, forcing listeners and critics alike to confront uncomfortable truths about the genre's often-extreme aesthetics and ideology.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Per Yngve Ohlin (Dead) |
| Born | January 16, 1969, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Died | April 8, 1991, Oslo, Norway (suicide) |
| Also Known As | Dead, Pelle |
| Occupation | Vocalist, Lyricist |
| Bands | Morbid, Mayhem |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated Acts | (Various Black Metal Projects) |
| Notable Contribution | Vocalist and Lyricist for Mayhem, known for extreme stage presence and dark lyrical themes. |
| Controversy | His death and its subsequent use in Mayhem's album cover. |
| Personality | Known for introverted tendencies, fascination with death, and dark aesthetics. |
| Musical Style | Black Metal |
| Lyrical Themes | Death, darkness, misanthropy, and nihilism. |
| Reference | Metal Archives |
The genesis of Dawn of the Black Hearts is intertwined with the tumultuous history of Mayhem. The band, founded in 1984 in Norway by ystein Aarseth, initially known as "Destructor" and later under the moniker "Euronymous," along with Jrn Stubberud (Necrobutcher) and Kjetil Manheim, quickly established itself as a pioneer of the burgeoning black metal scene. Their music, characterized by its raw, aggressive sound and nihilistic lyrics, was a reflection of the band's extreme worldview. The name "Mayhem" itself was taken from a Venom song, foreshadowing the band's embrace of darkness and chaos.
The arrival of Per "Dead" Ohlin in 1988 marked a turning point for Mayhem. His haunting vocals and morbid stage presence, which included wearing corpse paint and burying his clothes to decompose before shows, cemented the band's image. Dead's fascination with death, evident in his lyrics and persona, became a defining characteristic of Mayhem's aesthetic. His addition to the band fueled the creative process, although the band's dynamic would take a dark turn.
However, the band's trajectory took a tragic turn on April 8, 1991, when Dead took his own life in a house the band shared in Oslo. The aftermath of this event, including the photograph of Dead's suicide scene taken by Euronymous, became a central point of controversy and notoriety for the band. Euronymous, seeking what he deemed brutal imagery, took a copy of the photograph which would later be used in the album's cover art. This act, widely condemned, became the subject of significant ethical debate concerning artistic exploitation and the boundaries of good taste.
The album's release, delayed by both Dead's suicide and the murder of Euronymous in 1993 (perpetrated by Varg Vikernes of Burzum), added to its mystique. De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, the band's long-awaited debut album, originally planned before Dead's passing, was finally released in May 1994. However, Dawn of the Black Hearts, with its disturbing cover, remained a bootleg release. The release of the bootleg in 1995, on vinyl by Warmaster Records, owned by Mauricio "Bull Metal" Montoya, a drummer of the death metal band Masacre, further propelled its infamy. The original run was limited to a mere 300 copies, adding to its collectibility and notoriety.
| Album Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album Title | Dawn of the Black Hearts |
| Artist | Mayhem |
| Release Date | Bootleg - 1995 |
| Recorded | Live in Sarpsborg, Norway, February 28, 1990 |
| Format | Vinyl (Limited Edition) |
| Label | Warmaster Records |
| Edition | 300 copies |
| Cover Image | Photograph of Per "Dead" Ohlin (Mayhem's vocalist) after his suicide |
The album's artwork, a photograph taken by Euronymous, displayed Dead's body at the scene of his suicide. The image, depicting a gunshot wound to the head and the surrounding blood and debris, was undeniably graphic. This choice ignited a firestorm of controversy. Critics and fans alike questioned the ethics of exploiting such a sensitive and disturbing image for commercial gain. The front cover is a photograph of mayhem's vocalist, dead (per yngve ohlin), after his suicide on april 8th, 1991. The photo was taken by euronymous. The album's cover art is a significant discussion point, especially when considering its origins within the band's history.
The bootleg's notoriety was further compounded by its association with the band's internal conflicts. Euronymous's actions after Dead's death, including taking photographs and allegedly collecting fragments of Dead's skull, alienated Necrobutcher, who left the band in disgust. This incident reveals the darker side of the black metal ethos, which, at times, could be seen as a disturbing display of misanthropy, a deep-seated hatred for humanity and society.
The music on Dawn of the Black Hearts primarily consisted of a live recording from a concert in Sarpsborg, Norway, on February 28, 1990. The setlist would also vary. Although a live performance, it captured the raw energy of Mayhem, showcasing Dead's vocals and the band's early, formative sound. The album provides a stark document of a band pushing the boundaries of extreme metal.
The controversy surrounding Dawn of the Black Hearts has ensured its place in music history, sparking countless debates about artistic expression, the exploitation of tragedy, and the limits of the black metal aesthetic. The image, the music, and the circumstances of its creation and release solidified the album as a symbol of the genre's often-troubled relationship with darkness and extremity. The album's content and context sparked discussions on art, ethics, and historical significance, with critics questioning its place in the music scene.
Furthermore, the albums release highlights the complexities within the black metal subculture. While some may view the cover as an act of artistic provocation or a reflection of the band's nihilistic philosophy, others see it as an act of exploitation, capitalizing on the suffering of a deceased bandmate. The ethical considerations surrounding Dawn of the Black Hearts remain a contentious subject, and its legacy continues to spark debate. The bootleg's lasting impact can be measured by its presence in metal archives and the discussions it generates.
The band's continued presence in the music scene is also worth noting. The announcement of Lady Gaga's album, titled 'Mayhem,' demonstrates how the name has permeated popular culture, albeit with a different meaning. Mayhem, released on march 7, 2025, showcases the band's lasting influence. The musical landscape reflects the constant evolution of music.
In conclusion, Dawn of the Black Hearts serves as a powerful, if disturbing, reminder of the complex relationships between art, death, and the human experience. Its legacy, etched in infamy, continues to provoke thought, forcing those who encounter it to grapple with the uncomfortable questions it raises about the nature of artistic expression and the depths of human darkness. The album's existence, surrounded by controversy and ethical challenges, has firmly cemented its place as a watershed moment in black metal history, the image and the music working in tandem to deliver a message of darkness and death.
