Sven Erik Kristiansen

Infobox musical artist
Name = Sven Erik Kristiansen


Img_capt = Maniac live with Mayhem in 2004
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Sven Erik Kristiansen
Alias = Maniac
Born = Birth date and age|1967|2|19|mf=y
Died =
Origin = Norway
Instrument = Vocals, guitar, bass
Genre = Black metal, doom metal
Occupation = Musician
Years_active = 1986–present
Label =
Associated_acts = Mayhem, Skitliv, Shining, Bomberos
URL =

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. Mic Norway [http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2005021613091186482490 Maniac: My last years with Mayhem] ; retrieved September 11 2008.]

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 Dead. 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

He is currently a member of the hardcore punk band Bomberos as well as the side project Skitliv. In addition, he is a session member of the band Shining.

References