Last Friday, the legendary Norwegian Black Metal pioneers Mayhem brought their unholy energy to the intimate confines of Frankfurt’s Zoom Club as part of their 40th anniversary tour. The venue, shrouded in ominous red light and thick, lingering smoke, served as the perfect backdrop for a night of chaos, darkness, and raw musical ferocity. Over the course of a two-hour set, the band delivered a performance that will be etched into the memories of all who bore witness.
From the moment Mayhem took the stage, it was clear this was more than just a concert—it was a ritual. The atmosphere inside the packed venue was electric, charged with the anticipation of hearing material spanning four decades of the band’s storied career. Their set opened with a thunderous rendition of „Falsified and Hated“, immediately plunging the audience into the abyss of Mayhem’s signature sound: relentless blast beats, haunting tremolo-picked guitars, and the unmistakable growls of frontman Attila Csihar.
Attila, clad in a grotesque costume that evoked the macabre, commanded the stage with a presence that was equal parts theatrical and terrifying. His ability to shift between guttural growls, ghostly wails, and operatic chants showcased not only his vocal range but his deep understanding of Mayhem’s sonic ethos. Throughout the night, his performance was punctuated by eerie gestures and shadowy movements, adding a visual layer to the already haunting soundscape.
The setlist was a masterclass in Black Metal history. Mayhem paid homage to their early days with classics from their seminal album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, including the fan-favorite „Freezing Moon“. These tracks, performed with razor-sharp precision, transported the audience back to the roots of the genre.
However, Mayhem didn’t simply rest on their laurels. Tracks from their more recent albums, such as „Malum“ and „Daemon Spawn“, were met with just as much enthusiasm, proving the band’s ability to evolve without losing their essence. The interplay between founding bassist Necrobutcher and drummer Hellhammer was particularly mesmerizing, anchoring the chaos with a precision and intensity that only decades of experience can bring. Guitarists Teloch and Ghul added a razor-sharp edge to the performance, their intricate riffs weaving an unrelenting wall of sound.
The lighting and stage design further enhanced the experience. Blood-red hues dominated the evening, interspersed with strobe flashes that cast jagged shadows across the walls, giving the venue the appearance of a hellish cathedral. Occasional bursts of dry ice and the use of ritualistic props elevated the show from a mere concert to a full-blown spectacle.
Mayhem’s performance at the Zoom Club was a reminder of why they remain at the forefront of Black Metal after 40 years. They have not only survived but thrived, continuing to push boundaries while staying true to their dark roots. For those in attendance, it was a celebration of extremity, artistry, and a defiance of convention—an unforgettable night honoring the kings of chaos.
See here the full Photo series of the concert.
Photos by Picture-Rebels.
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