MAYHEM working on first new album since 2019
Norwegian black metal pioneers Mayhem have confirmed that they are in the midst of recording their highly anticipated upcoming album, the first one since the release of Daemon in 2019. In a recent interview with Noise Magazine in Poland, Mayhem’s bassist Jørn “Necrobutcher” Stubberud shared that the band has been diligently working on the new record for several years and is currently in the studio perfecting its sound.
Necrobutcher elaborated on the significance of taking ample time between album releases, emphasizing the importance of creating unique and distinct works. He highlighted the necessity of allowing sufficient space between projects to avoid the risk of repetitive compositions that resemble previous releases. According to him, a longer interval between albums allows the songwriters to distance themselves from their previous work, providing them with the opportunity to seek new inspiration for crafting fresh and evolved musical pieces. This deliberate process of evolution and refinement ensures that Mayhem’s music continues to innovate and captivate audiences with each successive album.
Drawing parallels between songwriting and the art of painting, Necrobutcher likened the composition process to the act of painting a picture, where knowing when to stop refining and allow an artwork to stand on its own is crucial. He expressed the challenges of determining the finality of a piece of music, balancing the desire for perfection with the need to retain raw and authentic elements that come to life in the live performance of the songs. By releasing live albums, Mayhem aims to capture the essence and honesty of their music, embracing the imperfections and spontaneity that distinguish their live renditions from studio recordings.
Guitarist Teloch, a linchpin in Mayhem’s creative vision over the past decade, revealed in a social media update in July 2025 that he had been fully immersed in the development of the new album, citing the exhaustive process of working on guitars, bass lines, drum beats, vocals, effects, and synthesizers. Despite the time-intensive nature of crafting their forthcoming album, Mayhem has remained active, releasing the Atavistic Black Disorder / Kommando EP in 2021, featuring unreleased tracks from the Daemon sessions, alongside punk covers of classic tracks by Discharge, Dead Kennedys, and Ramones. This was followed by the release of Daemonic Rites in 2023, a live album showcasing Mayhem’s electrifying stage presence and the evolution of their live performance repertoire.
As Mayhem continues to refine and redefine their distinctive sound, fans eagerly await the release of their forthcoming album, which promises to be a culmination of years of creative exploration and musical evolution. Stay tuned for more updates on Mayhem’s latest project as they continue their legacy of pushing boundaries and shaping the landscape of black metal music.