Euronymous

Øystein “Euronymous” Aarseth was an important figure in the early Norwegian black metal scene. He was the guitarist and a co-founder of the black metal band Mayhem, owner of the record shop Helvete and record label Deathlike Silence Productions. He is seen as one of the founders of the scene, not only due to the big part he played in helping newer bands, but also due to him portraying himself as an evil figurehead of the scene; the archetype of Norwegian black metal.

I think that if we could make black metal bigger than it is now, we could have a great movement growing with hundreds of brutal soldiers spreading sorrow, death and evil in the world. – Euronymous

Euronymous was murdered in August 1993 by fellow musician Varg Vikernes, who stabbed him 23 times. Some speculate that the murder was due to the large amount of royalties that Euroynmous owed Varg. Varg himself claims it was in self defense.