Mayhem

Mayhem is a noun referring to violent disorder, destruction, or extremely disruptive activity. It is commonly used to describe chaotic situations that harm people or property. In historical common law, mayhem described the crime of intentionally maiming or disabling another person to prevent them from defending themselves. Over time the legal definitions have been narrowed or abolished, but the term remains in use as a broad descriptor of chaos and damage.

In culture, mayhem is a frequent motif in fiction, film, and music, often signaling danger or upheaval. The name Mayhem is also associated with the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, formed in Oslo in 1984. They are widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the early Norwegian black metal movement, and their releases helped define the genre's harsh sound and aesthetic. Their 1994 album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas is frequently cited as a landmark work within extreme metal.

Beyond music, mayhem appears in various media as a thematic element, title, or character concept, frequently used to evoke chaos, conflict, or riotous action. The term is also used in game design and entertainment to describe modes or events that emphasize disorder or frenzied activity.