As new addition to its list of programs, The Pit VOD platform presents “Once Upon a Time in Norway”; an explosive documentary diving into the dark origins of Norwegian black metal, uncovering the chaos, church burnings, and the shocking murder that shook a nation.

“We’ve never classified ourselves as a Black Metal band. In the beginning, we called it brutal music or Brutal Metal. We couldn’t classify it. We wanted to create something new. Faster, harder and heavier. More aggressive than anything we’d heard in the genre”

Once upon a time in Norway, black metal was born. From its origins in a closed, underground milieu, Norwegian black metal quickly became a worldwide cult phenomenon. It has developed around myths, in particular linked to the band that defined the genre: Mayhem.

Formed in 1984 by guitarist Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous), bassist Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and drummer Kjetil Manheim, Mayhem is a band synonymous with the birth of Norwegian black metal. 

The group gained infamy with later members such as vocalist Per Yngve ‘Pelle’ Ohlin (Dead) and bassist Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnackh). At the heart of this underground movement was Euronymous’s Oslo-based record store, Helvete, which became a hub for the scene that evolved into a controversial and extremist cult.

This gripping documentary delves into the turbulent early 1990s, a period marked by church burnings, suicides, and murders that shocked Norway. It all leads to the climactic and infamous murder of Euronymous by Varg Vikernes, an event that captured global attention.

 The full documentary is available right now on the platform with a 7-days free trial.

The following two tabs change content below.