Mayhem’s Attila Csihar Finds Light Amongst Death on ‘Liturgy of Death’
For Mayhem vocalist Attila Csihar, the concept of death is not merely a dark aesthetic—it is a fundamental, inescapable facet of existence. In a recent conversation with Full Metal Jackie, Csihar delved into the thematic core of the band’s latest record, Liturgy of Death, explaining that while the subject matter is inherently heavy, it is not intended to be purely nihilistic.
“Since it’s a Mayhem album, all the lyrics are pretty dark and death is a dark theme, but if you go into it a little bit deeper, you will realize that it’s really a necessary part of this dimension we are living in,” Csihar shares. “There’s also some positive sides too, like it’s the release and it’s the end of this misery and pain. It could be a transition to another being.”
A Philosophical Approach to Mortality
Csihar emphasizes that the album serves as a reflection on the limited nature of life, a theme he believes modern society often tries to avoid. Drawing inspiration from historical art, including the works of Goya and Hieronymus Bosch, he notes that death was once a more prominent fixture in human discourse. “I think it’s a good thing to come face to face with. Not all the time, of course. You don’t have to be that emo. But, from time to time, it’s good to remind you that there’s gonna be an end and it has to be.”
The vocalist, who has been a pivotal figure in the black metal scene for decades, admits that this project required a level of maturity that only comes with time. “I couldn’t do it anytime earlier. I think I’ve just grown up and I’m up for the task now, being almost 55 and doing this music for 40 years now.”
Legacy and Creative Evolution
Reflecting on his tenure with Mayhem, Csihar acknowledges the weight of the band’s history. Despite the turbulent and often tragic origins of the Norwegian black metal scene, he views his role as a continuation of an artistic instinct that has proven to be remarkably resilient. “We were always right. We just didn’t know that. It was not that clear, but we were right. Otherwise, we would not be here.”
Beyond Mayhem, Csihar remains deeply involved in various creative pursuits, including his solo project, Void of Voices, and collaborations with artists like Igor Cavalera. He views these side projects as essential for maintaining his creative balance. “I really need this actually to balance out Mayhem. It’s important and it helps me to carry on better with Mayhem, too, to have these other bands on the side.”
As Mayhem continues to tour globally, including upcoming dates in the U.S., Csihar remains focused on the ritualistic nature of live performance. For him, the stage is a space where he can channel the energy of the past and present, creating a unique, multi-level experience for the audience. “Every night, it’s the best part of the whole day when I’m onstage, when I’m on tour, always.”