Inspired by groups such as Venom, Slayer, Motörhead and Celtic Frost, Mayhem was founded in 1984 by guitarist Øystein Aarseth (known initially as “Destructor”, later “Euronymous”), bassist Jørn Stubberud (“Necrobutcher”) and drummer Kjetil Manheim, taking their band name from the Venom song “Mayhem with Mercy”. This lineup recorded and released the demo Pure Fucking Armageddon. After its release, Aarseth, who used to play lead vocals, along with Stubberud, during first demo’s studio rehearsals, recruited two session vocalists, Eirik Norheim (“Messiah”) and Sven Erik Kristiansen (“Maniac”), in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Norheim played vocals only for a concert, which took place in April 1986 in Ski, and by the end of that year he had quit Mayhem. Whereas, with Kristiansen Mayhem recorded its first EP, Deathcrush, in 1987, and released it through Euronymous’ newly formed label Posercorpse Music.