For Mayhem vocalist Attila Csihar, the concept of death is not merely a dark aesthetic choice—it is a fundamental, necessary component of the human experience. In a recent conversation with Full Metal Jackie, Csihar delved into the thematic weight of the band’s latest album, Liturgy of Death, explaining that while the subject matter is inherently heavy, it is far from being purely nihilistic.
“You don’t have to be emo about it,” Csihar says, noting that the album explores death as a transition rather than an end. “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. 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 Lifetime of Artistic Exploration
Now approaching his 55th birthday and reflecting on a career that spans four decades, Csihar views this record as a culmination of his life’s work. He admits that he could not have tackled such a profound theme earlier in his life. “I think I’ve just grown up and I’m up for the task now,” he shares. The inspiration for the album’s scope came to him four years ago, manifesting as a challenge to explore the dark arts, philosophy, and literature that have defined his artistic path.
During a recent visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid, Csihar found himself deeply moved by the works of Goya and Hieronymus Bosch. He noted that in the past, art frequently confronted mortality, whereas modern society often attempts to shield itself from the reality of death. “It made me think, maybe today, we try to escape this theme. Like, in our society, nobody likes to talk about this or think about it… but I think it was not like that in the past.”
Mortality as a Catalyst for Life
Csihar argues that acknowledging our limited time is actually a way to live more fully. He suggests that by coming face to face with the inevitability of the end, one can prioritize what truly matters. “I think it’s good to know that our time is limited here and it’s good to come face to face with that. We have to acknowledge it and live our life to a full extent.”
“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.”
Legacy and Future Pursuits
As a key figure in the history of black metal, Csihar remains humble about his role in the band’s enduring legacy. He recalls the early, turbulent days of the Norwegian scene and how he eventually found his place within it. Today, he balances his work in Mayhem with various creative outlets, including his solo project Void of Voices and new collaborations with artists like Igor Cavalera.
For Csihar, the stage remains a sacred space. “To play live every night is very majestic. For me, it’s always like a ritual. It’s not just play some music and just to entertain people. It’s much more.” As Mayhem continues to tour globally, including upcoming dates in the U.S., Csihar remains committed to his craft, viewing every performance as a channel for the energy and history that have defined his life.
