Mayhem Announce Australian East Coast Dates

One of the most controversial metal bands of all time, Mayhem are celebrating their 30th anniversary, and will be hitting the Australian east coast in January 2014.

This is a band with fucking history. In 1991, then vocalist Per Yngve Ohlin died, while two years later guitarist Oystein Aarseth was murdered by former member Varg Vikernes. As if that wasn't enough, the band have been tied to the burning of a string of Norwegian churches in the '90s, as well as the violent incidents surrounding the burnings.

Vikernes and Aarseth had allegedly conspired to blow up a Norwegian church in 1993 to coincide with the release of their debut album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas; Vikernes' murder of Aarseth was said to be what put a stop to this plan, and Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment.

The group disbanded shortly after the death of Aarseth, only to reform in 1995 with a new line-up, yet kept their controversial nature alive with racism and violence acting as an integral part of their existence.

A documentary has been made of the band's tumultuous existence, entitled Pure Fucking Mayhem (2008) and is definitely an interesting watch.

The forthcoming shows will feature iconic band members Atilla Csihar, Necrobutcher and Hellhammer, who are set to keep their reputation for most violent stage presence alive with this, their 30th anniversary tour.

These shows will definitely be ones to remember – get along if you're so inclined.