Necrobutcher

In the frigid air of Norway's dark and expressive musical landscape, a unique sound emerged in the 1980s that would come to define the black metal genre. At the heart of this maelstrom was the bassist Jørn Stubberud, who the world would come to know as Necrobutcher. As the bassist of Mayhem, one of black metal's seminal bands, Necrobutcher has been a key figure in shaping the aesthetic and sound of a genre known for its raw intensity and boundary-pushing ethos. Jørn Stubberud was born into the thawing post-war era in Norway, on April 13, 1968, a period marked by a blending of progressive ideals and traditional Norwegian values. As the musical scene worldwide began to splinter into various subgenres, the heavy metal thunder from America and the United Kingdom reverberated across the continent, reaching the remote landscapes of Norway. It was here, amid fjords and folklore, that a group of young Norwegians would craft a sound that sought to defy convention and embrace the darker aspects of existence. Necrobutcher co-founded Mayhem in 1984, alongside guitarist Øystein Aarseth, better known as Euronymous, and drummer Kjetil Manheim. From the outset, it was clear that Mayhem was unlike any other band. Drawing inspiration from extreme metal acts like Venom and Bathory, Mayhem fused relentless speed, dissonant guitars, and an atmosphere of cold bleakness to create a sound that was as foreboding as it was compelling. Necrobutcher's bass lines added depth to the chaos, underpinning the band's frenetic guitar riffs with a dark resonance that would become iconic in the metal community. Mayhem's early work, including their demo "Pure Fucking Armageddon" and the iconic EP "Deathcrush", laid the groundwork for what would become a defining sound of the Second Wave of Black Metal. The EP's release in 1987, with its abrasive sound and shocking imagery, was a statement of intent, marking a new era in metal that was resistant to commercialization and mainstream appeal. It was about more than music; it was an ideology, an unorthodox art form that Necrobutcher and his bandmates used to explore themes of nihilism, paganism, and a rejection of societal norms. The late 1980s and early 1990s were turbulent times for Mayhem. The band weathered various line-up changes and internal conflicts, but it was the gruesome tragedy of 1991 that situated Necrobutcher and Mayhem at the heart of one of music's darkest narratives. The suicide of bandmate Per Yngve Ohlin, known as Dead, marked a pivotal point — both personally and musically. Necrobutcher's departure from the band soon after was prompted by the internal discord that followed the tragedy and the increasing extremities that the band was pursuing. During his absence, the band recorded the now-legendary album "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas", a record that would cement Mayhem’s status as black metal pioneers. The album's release in 1994, coming in the wake of Euronymous's murder by fellow musician Varg Vikernes, added to the band's grim mythology. Necrobutcher's decision to distance himself from these violent developments hinted at his discomfort with the increasingly extreme behaviors and ideologies that parts of the black metal scene were embracing. Returning to Mayhem in 1995 marked a new chapter for Necrobutcher. With a fresh outlook, he drove the band forward, steering them away from the self-destructive path they had been on. His return saw Mayhem evolve, maintaining their visceral style while exploring new sonorous textures. Albums such as "Grand Declaration of War" and "Chimera" demonstrated a musical evolution that embraced experimentation and complexity. Necrobutcher's influence on black metal extends beyond his distinctive musicianship. His approach to the genre embraced its theatricality while advocating for personal expression devoid of harmful extremism. His career is testimony to a profound grip on the rebellious spirit of metal whilst understanding its potential pitfalls. Today, Necrobutcher remains a respected figure in the black metal community. His contributions to the genre continue to inspire a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of their craft. While the tales of violence and infamy often overshadow the artistry, within the thrumming bass lines and haunting melodies lies the core of what Necrobutcher represents — an unwavering commitment to authenticity and creativity, regardless of convention. Jørn 'Necrobutcher' Stubberud stands as a figure of resilience in the tumultuous history of black metal, a testament to the complex interplay between rebellion, artistry, and humanity in music. As black metal continues to evolve and spread its influence globally, the legacy of Necrobutcher and Mayhem remains a cornerstone upon which the genre thrives.