DOUBLE-DISC EDITION OF MAYHEM’S EARLY REHEARSALS FROM 1986, PAVING THE WAY FOR THE CULT ‘PURE FUCKING ARMAGEDDON’ DEMO RECORDING. 

 

Mayhem, the Norwegian pioneers responsible for invigorating a global scene alongside originators such as Venom, Celtic Frost & Bathory, formed in 1984, and with a long history of tragedy, intrigue and infamy have become truly revered legends of black metal, with a large part of their legacy established in the late 80’s & early 90’s, notably when guitarist Euronymous & bassist Necrobutcher welcomed Hellhammer on drums and Dead on vocals, to help shape a new and inspired era of darkness.

 

Preceding this more notorious period, Mayhem’s formative years were spent honing a selection of tracks of pure brutality, eventually leading to 1987’s iconic ‘Deathcrush’ MLP release – considered the launching point for the band onto the global map. Prior to this though, came 1986’s ‘Pure Fucking Armageddon’ demo, featuring the trio of Manheim, Necrobutcher and Euronymous.

 

‘Command For Blood, Command For War’, initially included in the recent ‘Pure Fucking Armageddon’ vinyl boxset, contains two early Mayhem rehearsals from Neccrobutcher’s own archive in all of their raw glory from back in 1986, recorded on the lead up to the eventual ‘Pure Fucking Armageddon’ demo sessions. The release features early versions of tracks which would remain a staple of Mayhem’s live set throughout the years, such as ‘Pure Fucking Armageddon’ itself, and ‘Carnage’. The title also includes cover songs of tracks originally written and performed by genre godfathers, Venom.

 

This edition of ‘Command For Blood, Command For War’ coincides with the 40th anniversary of the band, & is presented on double CD including a booklet containing rare band images and reflections from long-time friend of the band & founder of the famous Slayer Magazine, Metalion.