Mayhem
Pure Fucking Armageddon - 1986 Demos
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2016 Black limited vinyl pressing. Originally released as a demo tape, with a different artwork. "Pure Fucking Armageddon" is a demo recording by the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, released in 1986. This demo is significant in the black metal genre due to its raw and unrefined sound, which contributed to shaping the early aesthetic of the genre. The recording captures the band in its formative years, featuring the lineup of Euronoymous on guitar, Necrobutcher on bass, and Manheim on drums, with Messiah handling vocals on some tracks. The demo's sound is characterized by its lo-fi production quality, reflecting the underground nature and the DIY ethos prevalent in the black metal scene at the time. Despite its rough production, "Pure Fucking Armageddon" is noted for its intense and aggressive musical style, which would become a defining trait of Mayhem's subsequent works.

The release of "Pure Fucking Armageddon" on vinyl has been a subject of interest among collectors and fans of the genre, given its historical significance and the cult status of Mayhem within the black metal community. The demo is often sought after for its authentic representation of the early black metal sound and its role in the evolution of the genre. The tracks on the demo include both original compositions and covers, showcasing the band's influences and their nascent songwriting prowess. As an artifact of Mayhem's early years, "Pure Fucking Armageddon" provides a glimpse into the raw energy and unpolished creativity that would later lead to the band's influential status in black metal history.