September 3, 2024, at Quantic was defined by two key themes: black metal and the celebration of 40 years of Mayhem. Thus, The True Mayhem turned an otherwise quiet and uneventful September night into a real spectacle of darkness and chaos. Hosted by Rockstadt Extreme Fest, the event arrived as a major highlight in the course of the week.
The official poster of the show
© Rockstadt Extreme Fest
When you hear the name “Mayhem”, words like “legendary” and “infamous” instantly come to mind, partly because PR companies frequently use them to describe the band. While such terms might seem overused and irritating in many contexts, they’re entirely justified when it comes to this group. As they celebrated their 40th anniversary, these descriptors took on even greater significance, reflecting not only their enduring impact but also the remarkable longevity of their influence in the music world.
The True Mayhem performing in Quantic Pub, 3.09.2024
© Miluță Flueraş
As soon as I have arrived, I understood: the show is sold out. It’s a remarkable experience to step into Quantic and witness a sea of fans clad in Mayhem shirts and striking corpse paint, eagerly awaiting the night’s proceedings. I lost count of the band’s t-shirts and long sleeves.
The atmosphere in Quantic, 3.09.2024
© Miluță Flueraș
Unfortunately, an unexpected power cut delayed the start, pushing the band’s appearance on stage to 21:30. However, this pause offered a perfect moment to take another glance at the energized crowd, reciting “When it’s cold and when it’s dark…”, to explore the merchandise stand, and to have a small chat with friends—after all, it’s not every day, not even on a Tuesday, that you get to meet them.
As the band took the stage at 21:30, the crowd erupted. The haunting intro, lasting 2 minutes and 45 seconds, set the tone for what was about to come. As the final notes of the intro faded, “Malum” took over, delivering a powerful surge of dark energy, quickly followed by the searing intensity of “Bad Blood”—a track dripping with themes of betrayal and vengeance. While “Bad Blood” is intriguing when listened to alone, its impact is magnified on stage. The solos are electrifying, and Mayhem’s commanding presence brings the track’s raw emotion to life.
Without missing a beat, the band launched into “MILAB“, and “Psywar“, a sonic assault representing the chaos of psychological warfare.
“Illuminate Eliminate” came immediately after “Psywar” and I could hear the crowd chanting, “So many empty words been heard / So many meaningless thoughts been received”, a haunting prelude to the introspective depths of “My Death“.
The first act ended with “View From Nihil“, a song that envisions a grim resurrection amidst the frost of societal decline.
“In these nights of magic”…
After a brief pause, “Ancient Skin” began, peeling back layers of time to reveal raw, primal energy. “Symbols of Bloodswords” continued this exploration, adding layers of dark mysticism to the experience. Now, “Symbols of Bloodswords” was a track I was really looking forward to experiencing live, and it was absolutely breathtaking. And the surprises continue with the epic “Freezing Moon“. This tune, a legendary piece of black metal history, held the crowd in a trance. From the first notes, it was clear that this wasn’t just another song; it was a defining moment for the band and the fans alike.
Following “Freezing Moon”, the band launched into “Life Eternal”, “Buried by Time and Dust”, and “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”, continuing the momentum with these classics. I must admit, no matter how many times I listen to “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” live, there’s always something new to discover in the performance. Each listen reveals fresh nuances and grandiose moments that keep the experience perpetually captivating.
The True Mayhem performing in Quantic Pub, 3.09.2024
© Miluță Flueraş
As the final notes of “Pure Fucking Armageddon” reverberated through the venue, it was evident that Mayhem has still a lot to offer. The True Mayhem, masters of their craft, know how to captivate and control the crowd at every moment. Necrobutcher prowled the stage, his manic expressions adding to the dark energy of the performance. Teloch and Ghul stood tall and imposing, like ancient, frozen trees from a Nordic landscape, each riff they unleash hitting the audience like icy blasts of wind. Their precision was relentless, as if every note was a storm brewing in the distance. And one couldn’t miss Hellhammer, the backbone of Mayhem’s chaotic yet tightly controlled performance.
At the heart of it all was Attila, a force unto himself. His eccentric presence is impossible to ignore, from his eerie, ear-piercing shrieks to the wild, erratic movements of his hands. One moment he’s casting devil horns in a nostalgic nod to the 90s, the next he’s flailing like he’s swatting away invisible demons. He’s unpredictable, intense, and utterly mesmerizing.
And then there were the special guests, Messiah and Mannheim. Their presence brought an undeniable nostalgia, a reminder of the band’s early, raw beginnings. Old school at its finest.
The True Mayhem performing in Quantic Pub, 3.09.2024
© Miluță Flueraş
After all the highs and lows Mayhem has gone through in their career, I was curious to see how many people still cared a lot about the band. Tonight left no doubt that their impact endures, with a devoted following that remains as passionate and engaged as ever.
The True Mayhem performing in Quantic Pub, 3.09.2024
© Miluță Flueraş
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