Career
He is best known as the former vocalist in the black metal band Mayhem under the stage name Maniac. He joined Mayhem in 1986 after the departure of the band"s original vocalist Messiah. He was in the band until 1988, when he was replaced by Kittil.
When Hellhammer decided to revive Mayhem in 1995 after the deaths of both Euronymous and Dead and the imprisonment of Count Grishnakh, he invited Maniac to return as the band"s vocalist.
He was known for giving extremely intense live performances. He would often cut himself onstage, frequently landing him in intensive care units.
However, "..when we realized that the cutting had become a phenomenon people came to watch, I quit doing lieutenant" He has also stated that the coverage Mayhem has received is disproportionate. Maniac was in the band until 2004 when he was forced to leave.
His erratic behavior was the main reason for this.
In the only press release about the split, he also cited lack of time as being a vital factor. Just months before he joined Mayhem he released the first issue off his fanzine Damage Incorporated. in 1986. Second issue came in 1987 after he had joined Mayhem.
Both issues include interviews with Mayhem among other things.
