Adopting the moniker Hellhammer as an homage to Swiss extreme metal, Jan Axel Blomberg became the rhythmic backbone of the Norwegian black metal scene. Joining the band Mayhem in 1988, he remains the only member to appear on every one of the group's studio albums, maintaining a consistent presence through decades of significant lineup fluctuations.
Foundations and Early Influences
Born in 1969 in the Trysil Municipality, Norway, Blomberg did not initially pursue percussion. His early interests were focused on football and wrestling. His transition to drumming occurred after his grandparents purchased his first instruments, starting with a four-piece jazz kit. He developed his technical proficiency by playing along to records by Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Depeche Mode, and Duran Duran, later finding inspiration in jazz through a dedicated drum teacher.
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Before cementing his role in Mayhem, Blomberg played in various local acts, including the progressive metal band Tritonus. In 1991, he co-founded the avant-garde project Arcturus with Steinar Sverd Johnsen and Marius Vold, emerging from the remnants of the band Mortem. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, his output diversified significantly; he contributed to session work for Immortal, Emperor, The Kovenant, and Winds. His work with The Kovenant earned him Spellemannprisen awards in 1998 and 1999 for the albums Nexus Polaris and Animatronic, respectively.
Studio Contributions and Session Work
Blomberg's discography includes diverse collaborations beyond his core black metal projects. In 2009, he recorded tracks for the album Inceptum by the American band Eyes of Noctum. He has also collaborated with keyboardist Andy Winter and performed on the 2010 Nidingr album, Wolf-Father. Notably, he served as a session drummer for the Christian black metal band Antestor, contributing to the EP Det tapte liv and the album The Forsaken. This decision drew attention within the scene due to historical tensions between Antestor and Mayhem.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969
- Birthplace: Trysil Municipality, Norway
- Primary band: Mayhem
- Stage name: Hellhammer
- Instruments: Drum kit
- Spellemannprisen wins: Three
- Notable band co-founded: Arcturus
Questions readers ask
Why did Jan Axel Blomberg adopt the stage name Hellhammer?
He chose the pseudonym as an homage to the Swiss extreme metal band of the same name.
What is his status with the band Mayhem?
Blomberg joined in 1988 and is the only musician to have performed on all of the band's studio albums.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit
- Genres: black metal, death metal and avant-garde metal
