Jan Axel Blomberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jan Axel Blomberg
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Hellhammer performing live in 2024.
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Hellhammer |
| Born | August 2, 1969 Trysil Municipality, Norway |
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| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 1987–present |
Jan Axel Blomberg (born August 2, 1969), known by his stage name Hellhammer, is a famous Norwegian drummer. He is best known for playing in the black metal band Mayhem, which he joined in 1988. He is the only member who has played on all of the band's albums.
In 1987, Blomberg also started an experimental metal band called Arcturus. He chose the name Hellhammer to honor a Swiss metal band with the same name. Blomberg is a very skilled musician and has won the Spellemannprisen award, which is like a Norwegian Grammy, three times.
Early Life and First Drum Kit
When Jan Axel Blomberg was a child, he was more interested in sports like soccer and wrestling than music. But as he got older, he started to enjoy music and became curious about different instruments. This led him to discover the drums.
His grandparents bought him his first three drum kits. The very first one was a small jazz kit. He taught himself to play by listening to his favorite albums and drumming along. He was inspired by heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer. He also listened to other kinds of music, like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. Later, he got into jazz music, which was recommended by one of his drum teachers.
Music Career
Joining Mayhem
Before he became famous, Blomberg played in local bands. One of these was a progressive metal band called Tritonus. He was then hired by the band Mayhem, who needed a new drummer. After joining, he took on the stage name Hellhammer.
His first recordings with Mayhem were for a compilation album in 1989. The first full album he recorded with them was Live in Leipzig in 1990. After this, Mayhem had some changes in its lineup. During this time, Blomberg and his friend Sverd started the band Arcturus in 1991.
Working with Other Bands
Blomberg is a very busy musician and has played with many other bands.
- In 1995, he was a touring drummer for the band Immortal. He even appeared in their music video for the song "Grim and Frostbitten Kingdoms."
- In 1997, he started working with the band Covenant (now called The Kovenant). He played drums on their album Nexus Polaris, which won a Norwegian Grammy Award in 1998. The band won another award the next year for their album Animatronic.
- In 2000, he started a new band called Winds.
- In 2009, he played drums on several tracks for the American black metal band Eyes of Noctum. The band's singer was Weston Cage, the son of actor Nicolas Cage.
- In 2011, his band Arcturus got back together and released a new album, Arcturian, in 2015.
Band Themes and Beliefs
When Blomberg first joined Mayhem, he was young and curious. The band was known for its dark themes and intense image. At the time, he was interested in exploring the "dark side of life."
Looking back, Blomberg said that this was a strange and intense period for the band. He felt that some of the band's ideas went too far. Today, he says that his main interest is in the music itself. He has stated that Mayhem's music is still dark, but the band members are not focused on the same themes as they were in the early days.
Playing for Antestor
In an interesting move, Blomberg played drums for the Christian black metal band Antestor. He recorded drums for their EP Det tapte liv and their album The Forsaken. This was surprising to some fans because Antestor's positive message was very different from Mayhem's dark themes.
When asked why he did it, Blomberg said he makes his own decisions about the music he plays. He explained that he doesn't just play in black metal bands. He said, "In my opinion, black metal today is just music."
The members of Antestor were very happy with his work. The singer, Ronny Hansen, called Hellhammer a "total professional" and the "very best drummer in the scene."
Drumming Equipment and Style
For young drummers who are curious, here is a list of the equipment Hellhammer used around 2012.
Drums and Cymbals
- Drums: Sonor Drums
- Cymbals: Paiste Rude
- Pedals: Axis A Short-boards
- Sticks: Vic Firth Rock Nylon tip
Technique
- Hand Grip: He uses the French grip and a special technique called the Moeller method.
Selected Discography
Here are some of the most well-known albums Hellhammer has played on.
Arcturus
- Aspera Hiems Symfonia – (1996)
- La Masquerade Infernale – (1997)
- The Sham Mirrors – (2002)
- Sideshow Symphonies – (2005)
- Arcturian – (2015)
Mayhem
- Live in Leipzig – (1993)
- De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas – (1994)
- Wolf's Lair Abyss – (1997)
- Grand Declaration of War – (2000)
- Chimera – (2004)
- Ordo Ad Chao – (2007)
- Esoteric Warfare – (2014)
- Daemon – (2019)
The Kovenant
- Nexus Polaris – (1998)
- Animatronic – (1999)
- SETI – (2003)
Dimmu Borgir
- Stormblåst MMV – (2005)
- In Sorte Diaboli – (2007)
See also
In Spanish: Jan Axel Blomberg para niños
