Neseblod Haul: Deathcrush & De Mysteriis Vinyl Find!

Hey guys!

So, I had this totally epic experience that I just had to share with you all. As a die-hard black metal fan, visiting Neseblod Records in Oslo has always been a pilgrimage I dreamed of making. And guess what? That dream finally came true! Not only did I soak in the history and atmosphere of this legendary place, but I also managed to snag two absolute grails for my vinyl collection: Mayhem's "Deathcrush" and their masterpiece, "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas." I'm still buzzing from the excitement, so let me tell you all about it.

The Pilgrimage to Neseblod Records

Neseblod Records, for those of you who might not know, isn't just your average record store. It's a monument, a sacred ground for black metal enthusiasts. The shop stands on the very site of the old Helvete record store, which, back in the late 80s and early 90s, was the epicenter of the Norwegian black metal scene. Founded by the infamous Euronymous of Mayhem, Helvete became a meeting place for the musicians and fans who shaped the genre. The basement of the shop even housed the infamous "Black Circle," a gathering spot shrouded in legend and, well, let's just say controversy. Walking into Neseblod is like stepping back in time. The walls are adorned with black metal memorabilia – posters, flyers, signed albums, and photographs of the scene's pioneers. You can practically feel the history seeping from the walls. The air is thick with the scent of vinyl and the echoes of blast beats. For a black metal fan like myself, it's a truly overwhelming experience. I spent a good hour just wandering around, soaking it all in, before I even started browsing the records.

The current owner and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the music. They're happy to chat about the scene, recommend bands, and share stories. It's not just a transaction; it's a conversation, a connection with the culture. That's what makes Neseblod so special – it's more than just a record store; it's a community hub. You can feel the passion and dedication that goes into keeping the spirit of black metal alive. And, of course, the selection of vinyl is insane. They have everything from classic reissues to rare original pressings, from Norwegian legends to obscure underground gems. It's a treasure trove for any serious collector. So, yeah, walking into Neseblod Records was a huge moment for me. It's something I'd been looking forward to for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. But the real highlight of the trip, of course, was finding those two holy grail albums...

Unearthing Mayhem's Deathcrush

"Deathcrush" holds a special place in the black metal pantheon. Mayhem's debut mini-album, released in 1987, is a raw, chaotic, and utterly ferocious piece of extreme metal history. It's a primal scream of teenage angst and rebellion, channeled through distorted guitars, blast beat drumming, and the unhinged vocals of Maniac. The production is intentionally lo-fi, adding to the album's gritty and unsettling atmosphere. It sounds like it was recorded in a dungeon, which, in a way, it kind of was. "Deathcrush" is important not just for its musical content but also for its historical significance. It helped to define the sound and aesthetic of Norwegian black metal, laying the groundwork for the genre's future development. Tracks like "Chainsaw Gutsfuck" and the title track are classics, showcasing Mayhem's early brutality and their fascination with the macabre. Finding a copy of "Deathcrush" on vinyl, especially an original pressing, is a major score for any collector. It's a rare and sought-after item, a tangible piece of black metal history. So, when I saw it hanging on the wall at Neseblod, my heart practically skipped a beat. I had to take a moment to compose myself before I even dared to ask the price. Luckily, it was within my budget (barely!), and I snatched it up without hesitation. Holding that record in my hands, knowing its history and its importance, was a truly surreal experience. It's not just an album; it's a relic, a connection to the early days of the scene. I can't wait to give it a spin on my turntable and let the raw power of "Deathcrush" fill my ears.

Acquiring De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas: A Masterpiece Found

Now, if "Deathcrush" is a raw, chaotic burst of energy, "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" is its sophisticated, atmospheric, and utterly terrifying older brother. Released in 1994, this album is widely considered to be Mayhem's masterpiece, and one of the greatest black metal albums of all time. It's a dark, complex, and deeply unsettling work of art, steeped in occultism, death, and despair. The circumstances surrounding the album's creation are, to put it mildly, notorious. Euronymous, the band's guitarist and mastermind, was murdered by Varg Vikernes (aka Count Grishnackh) before the album was completed. Bass tracks recorded by Vikernes before his imprisonment were used on the album. The vocals were performed by Attila Csihar, whose guttural screams and chanting add to the album's ritualistic atmosphere. The music itself is a swirling vortex of dissonant guitars, hypnotic drumming, and chilling melodies. Tracks like "Funeral Fog," "Freezing Moon," and the title track are epic in scope and utterly mesmerizing. "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" is not an easy listen. It's challenging, disturbing, and intensely emotional. But it's also a profoundly rewarding experience for those who are willing to delve into its darkness. It's an album that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the final note has faded. Finding a copy of "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" on vinyl has been a longtime goal of mine. It's an album that deserves to be heard in its full analog glory, and I've been searching for a reasonably priced copy for ages. So, when I spotted it in Neseblod, sitting proudly on the shelf, I knew I had to have it. It was a bit more expensive than "Deathcrush," but I justified the purchase by telling myself it was an investment in my sanity... or maybe my insanity. Either way, I'm thrilled to have it in my collection. It's an album that I know I'll be listening to for years to come, discovering new layers and nuances with each spin.

A Black Metal Dream Come True

So, there you have it – my epic pilgrimage to Neseblod Records and my acquisitions of "Deathcrush" and "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" on vinyl. It was a dream come true for this black metal fan, and an experience that I'll never forget. If you're ever in Oslo, I highly recommend making the trip to Neseblod. It's a must-visit destination for any serious fan of the genre. And who knows, maybe you'll even find your own holy grail vinyl lurking on the shelves. Stay metal, guys!