Euronymous Death: Øystein Aarseth, famously known as Euronymous, was a central figure in the Norwegian black metal scene. His death on August 10, 1993, shocked the music world and became one of the most infamous stories in metal history. This article discusses about Euronymous’ life, the details surrounding his death, and the controversies that followed.
Know Euronymous
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Øystein Aarseth |
| Stage Name | Euronymous |
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1968 |
| Date of Death | August 10, 1993 |
| Age at Time of Death | 25 years |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Profession | Guitarist, Record Label Owner |
| Notable Works | Founder of Mayhem, Owner of Deathlike Silence Productions, Pioneer of Norwegian Black Metal |
Euronymous played a significant role in shaping the sound and ethos of black metal. His legacy, however, is shadowed by the shocking circumstances of his death.
How Did Euronymous Die?
The death of Euronymous occurred on the night of August 10, 1993. He was murdered by Varg Vikernes, a musician who had worked with him in the band Mayhem. The incident happened at Euronymous’ apartment in Oslo, Norway, following growing tensions between the two.
According to reports and Vikernes’ testimony, he traveled to Oslo with another musician, Snorre “Blackthorn” Ruch, intending to confront Euronymous over personal disputes. This confrontation turned violent, and Euronymous was fatally stabbed 23 times—two wounds to the head, five to the neck, and sixteen to the back.
Vikernes claimed self-defense, alleging that Euronymous had plotted to torture and kill him. However, the court found Vikernes guilty of murder, along with other charges, including arson and possession of explosives. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison, Norway’s maximum penalty at the time.
Euronymous Age at the Time of Death
Euronymous was just 25 years old when he died. Despite his young age, he had already left a lasting impact on the music world as a pioneer of black metal. His untimely death marked the end of an era for Mayhem and significantly influenced the genre’s history.
What Was Euronymous’ Profession?
Euronymous was primarily known as a guitarist and a key member of the band Mayhem, a cornerstone of the Norwegian black metal movement. He co-founded Mayhem in 1984, and the band became infamous for its dark themes and extreme performances.
In addition to his role in Mayhem, Euronymous was also the founder of Deathlike Silence Productions, a record label dedicated to promoting black metal. He was a strong advocate for the genre’s underground ethos, often emphasizing its anti-mainstream and extreme nature.
Controversy Around Euronymous Death
The murder of Euronymous is one of the most controversial events in black metal history. The animosity between Euronymous and Varg Vikernes was fueled by personal, financial, and ideological disputes. Euronymous was accused of exploiting other musicians, and Vikernes believed he was plotting to harm him.
This controversy deepened with revelations from Mayhem’s bassist, Jørn “Necrobutcher” Stubberud, who later stated that he had also been planning to confront Euronymous. The conflict within Mayhem highlighted the darker side of the Norwegian black metal scene, known for its violent and chaotic environment.
The murder brought global attention to the genre, casting a shadow over its music and ideology. Many documentaries and books, including Lords of Chaos, have explored this event, keeping the controversy alive decades later.