Sven Erik Kristiansen - Maniac

Sven Erik Kristiansen (born February 19, 1967) is a Norwegian musician. He is best known as the former vocalist in the black metal band Mayhem under the stage name Maniac.



Personal life

Kristiansen has two children, a daughter with a previous relationship and a son with his ex-girlfriend, Hilma. He has said that since he became a father, he has become more conscious of what he exposes himself to and less destructive.

For several years, Kristiansen was a self-admitted alcoholic. His turning point, he says, was one day when he found himself hanging by one arm out of a fourth floor window, with no idea how he got there. After this incident, he claims that he has not had any alcohol whatsoever. He is currently engaged to be married to Vivian Slaughter, bassist and vocalist for the Japanese band Gallhammer.

With Mayhem

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, he invited Maniac to return as the band's vocalist.

He was known for having extremely intense performances. When he had a particularly good feeling about the audience, he would cut himself, 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 it." 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. He had developed extreme stagefright, and relied heavily on alcohol to get him through performances. In the only press release about the split, he also cited lack of time as being a vital factor.


Other Projects

Just months before he joined Mayhem he released the first issue off his fanzine Damage Inc. in 1986. Second issue came in 1987 after he had joined Mayhem. Both issues includes interviews with Mayhem among other things. He is currently a member of Skitliv, and is a session member of Shining.

Studio albums

Deathcrush • De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas • Wolf's Lair Abyss • Grand Declaration of War • Chimera • Ordo Ad Chao

Live albums.

Live in Leipzig • Dawn of the Black Hearts (bootleg) • Out from the Dark • Mediolanum Capta Est

Compilation albums

European Legions/U.S. Legions • Legions of War • The Studio Experience

Demos and singles

Pure Fucking Armageddon • Deathrehearsal • Freezing Moon/Carnage • Ancient Skin/Necrolust • Life Eternal