Mayhem Live in Leipzig – How I Brought Black Metal to East Germany

In November 1990, the Norwegian black metal band MAYHEM played three concerts in the former East Germany (GDR). A recording was made by chance at the Eiskeller in Leipzig, which wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy if not for the fact that within the next three years, two band members had died, and MAYHEM found itself at the center of a development that gave Norwegian black metal its infamous image. The three concerts were organized by Abo Alsleben, who also accompanied the band on their tour. He personally met Dead and Euronymous, and in this book, he tells the story of how the tour came about and everything that happened.

Only death is real…?

In his book “MAYHEM live in Leipzig – How I Brought Black Metal to Eastern Gemany” Abo Alsleben provides a unique insight into the alternative music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His authentic narrative style is complemented by the first facsimile reproduction of the letters of MAYHEM guitarist Euronymous to the Leipzig native Abo, and previously unpublished photographs.

Translated from German by Maria Heß and Eóin Young.