What is Darkthrone, and where did the band originate?

Darkthrone is a Norwegian black metal band that originated in Kolbotn, Akershus, Norway. The band was formed in 1986.

What was Darkthrone's original name and genre before transitioning to black metal?

Before adopting the name Darkthrone and shifting to black metal, the band was formed in late 1986 under the name Black Death and played as a death metal band.

When did Darkthrone officially transition to a black metal style, and what were their primary influences for this shift?

Darkthrone transitioned to a black metal style in 1991. Their black metal sound was influenced by bands such as Bathory and Celtic Frost.

What is the significance of Darkthrone's first three black metal albums, and what are they collectively known as?

Darkthrone's first three black metal albums—*A Blaze in the Northern Sky* (1992), *Under a Funeral Moon* (1993), and *Transilvanian Hunger* (1994)—are considered highly influential and are collectively referred to as the "Unholy Trinity" of the band's career and the black metal genre.

Who are the current members of Darkthrone, and since when has the band operated as a duo?

Darkthrone has been a duo consisting of Fenriz and Nocturno Culto since guitarist Zephyrous departed the band in 1993. Both Fenriz and Nocturno Culto have been active members since 1986 and 1988, respectively.

How has Darkthrone's musical style evolved since 2006?

Since 2006, Darkthrone's music has moved away from traditional black metal, incorporating elements from classic heavy metal, punk, and speed metal. More recent albums have also included influences from doom metal.

What were the early inspirations for Darkthrone when they were a death metal band named Black Death?

In their early death metal phase as Black Death, Darkthrone drew inspiration from bands like Autopsy, Venom, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Slayer, and Nocturnus.

When did Darkthrone change their name, and who joined the band around that time?

The band changed its name to Darkthrone in late 1987. Around this time, Dag Nilsen joined as a new member, and Ted Skjellum (Nocturno Culto) joined in the spring of 1988, replacing Anders Risberget.

What were the four demo tapes released by Darkthrone between 1988 and 1989?

Between 1988 and 1989, Darkthrone independently released four demo tapes: *Land of Frost*, *A New Dimension*, *Thulcandra*, and *Cromlech*.

What label did Darkthrone sign with for their early albums, and what was their debut studio album?

Darkthrone signed a four-album contract with the independent record label Peaceville Records. Their debut studio album, *Soulside Journey*, was recorded in 1990.

Where was Darkthrone's debut album, *Soulside Journey*, recorded, and what was notable about its genre?

*Soulside Journey* was recorded at Sunlight Studios. Although primarily a death metal record, it contained elements of black metal in its artwork and songwriting.

What is the story behind the album *Goatlord*, and when was it officially released?

The album *Goatlord* consisted of entirely instrumental tracks that showcased the band's gradual shift toward black metal. It was recorded by the band until a complete album was ready, and it was officially released in 1996 with vocals added by Fenriz.

What aesthetic changes did Darkthrone adopt in 1991, and who influenced this shift?

In 1991, influenced by Euronymous of Mayhem, Darkthrone adopted the aesthetic that symbolized the black metal scene, including wearing corpse paint and using pseudonyms. Gylve Nagell became Fenriz, Ted Skjellum became Nocturno Culto, and Ivar Enger became Zephyrous.

What was Peaceville Records' initial reaction to Darkthrone's second album, *A Blaze in the Northern Sky*?

Peaceville Records was initially skeptical about releasing *A Blaze in the Northern Sky* because of the band's drastic shift from their original death metal style.

Which album marked Darkthrone's complete transition to the black metal style, and who was the last guitarist to feature on it?

The album *Under a Funeral Moon*, released in 1993, marked Darkthrone's complete transition to the black metal style. It was also the final album to feature guitarist Zephyrous (Ivar Enger).

What was unique about the instrumentation and songwriting credits for Darkthrone's album *Transilvanian Hunger*?

For *Transilvanian Hunger*, released in 1994, Fenriz was credited with all instrumentation and songwriting, while Nocturno Culto contributed solely vocals, marking the first album to feature only the two members as a duo.

What controversies surrounded the release of Darkthrone's album *Transilvanian Hunger*?

The release of *Transilvanian Hunger* generated controversy because half of its lyrics were written by Varg Vikernes, and the album booklet included the phrase "Norsk Arisk Black Metal," which translates to "Norwegian Aryan Black Metal."

Which record label did Darkthrone move to after Peaceville Records, and who ran this new label?

Darkthrone transitioned to the independent record label Moonfog Productions for their subsequent releases. This label was run by Satyr of the band Satyricon.

Which Darkthrone albums featured lyrics written by Varg Vikernes?

Varg Vikernes contributed lyrics to Darkthrone's albums *Transilvanian Hunger* (four songs) and *Panzerfaust* (one song, "Quintessence").

What was notable about the lyrical contributions for Darkthrone's 1996 album *Total Death*?

The album *Total Death*, released in 1996, was notable for featuring lyrics penned by four other black metal musicians, with none of the lyrics written by the band's primary lyricist, Fenriz.

What were some of Fenriz's significant side projects during the period of 1993-1995?

During 1993-1995, Fenriz was involved in several side projects, including his dark ambient project Neptune Towers, his folk black metal project Isengard, recording with Satyr in Storm, playing bass for Dødheimsgard's debut, and resuming drumming for Valhall.

When and where did Darkthrone play their last live performance?

Darkthrone played their last live gig on April 6, 1996, which was Easter Eve, at an event called "A Night of Unholy Black Metal" in Oslo.

What was the sonic characteristic of Darkthrone's albums *Ravishing Grimness* and *Plaguewielder*, and why?

Darkthrone's albums *Ravishing Grimness* (1999) and *Plaguewielder* (2001) had a somewhat "clearer" sound because they were recorded at Ronny Le Tekrøe's studio in Toten, Norway. These albums also featured tracks predominantly composed by Nocturno Culto.

What significant event occurred in 2002 involving Darkthrone's music?

In 2002, the intro of Darkthrone's song "Kathaarian Life Code" was featured in the final scene of the film *Demonlover*.

How did Darkthrone's albums *Hate Them* and *Sardonic Wrath* relate to their earlier black metal style, and what was unique about *Sardonic Wrath*'s reception?

*Hate Them* (2003) and *Sardonic Wrath* (2004) incorporated electronic introductions but remained faithful to Darkthrone's early black metal style. *Sardonic Wrath* was nominated for Norway's Alarm Awards, but the band requested the entry be withdrawn.

What stylistic shift did Darkthrone's music take after *Sardonic Wrath*?

Following *Sardonic Wrath*, Darkthrone's subsequent releases began to exhibit strong crust punk influences.

When did Darkthrone announce their return to Peaceville Records, and what did they launch to release future albums?

In 2005, Darkthrone announced their return to Peaceville Records after leaving the label in 1994. They also launched their own record label, Tyrant Syndicate Productions, for their future releases.

What special releases did Peaceville Records put out to commemorate Darkthrone's return in 2005?

To commemorate Darkthrone's return, Peaceville reissued the compilation *Preparing for War* with a bonus CD of demos and a DVD of live performances. Additionally, Darkthrone's first four albums were re-released with video interviews.

What was notable about the EP *Too Old, Too Cold* released in 2006?

The 2006 EP *Too Old, Too Cold* featured a cover of "Love in a Void" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, included a guest vocal performance by Grutle Kjellson of Enslaved, and was the first Darkthrone record to produce a music video and chart, reaching the top 15 in Norway and Denmark.

How did the album *The Cult Is Alive* (2006) represent a stylistic change for Darkthrone?

*The Cult Is Alive* marked a stylistic shift for Darkthrone, incorporating crust punk elements. While their black metal roots were still present, their departure from the genre's typical sound became more pronounced, and it was their first album to chart in Norway.

What was the meaning behind the EP title *NWOBHM* released in 2007, and what album did it preview?

The 2007 EP *NWOBHM* was an acronym for 'New Wave of Black Heavy Metal,' a play on the original 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal.' It served as a preview for their upcoming album, *F.O.A.D.*.

What musical styles were emphasized on Darkthrone's 2007 album *F.O.A.D.*?

While continuing the punk-oriented style from *The Cult Is Alive*, the album *F.O.A.D.* placed a greater emphasis on traditional heavy metal.

What film did Nocturno Culto release in 2007, and what did it explore?

In 2007, Nocturno Culto completed and released *The Misanthrope*, a film that explored black metal and life in Norway, and included some of his own solo recordings.

How did the musical style of *Circle the Wagons* (2010) differ from Darkthrone's previous albums?

*Circle the Wagons* (2010) showcased significantly fewer crust punk elements compared to previous albums, favoring strong speed metal and traditional heavy metal characteristics instead.

What musical direction did Darkthrone take with their 2013 album *The Underground Resistance*?

The 2013 album *The Underground Resistance* marked a complete departure from black metal and blackened crust, musically returning to classic heavy metal and speed metal styles.

How did the album *Arctic Thunder* (2016) represent a shift in Darkthrone's sound?

*Arctic Thunder* (2016) featured a rawer, more blackened sound reminiscent of their 1990s output, while still incorporating the classic metal influences from their previous record.

What was the content of the compilation album *The Wind of 666 Black Hearts*, released in 2016?

Released in 2016, *The Wind of 666 Black Hearts* is a compilation album that comprises rehearsal recordings made in 1991 and 1992 for songs that later appeared on *A Blaze in the Northern Sky* and *Under a Funeral Moon*.

What musical characteristics became more apparent in Darkthrone's 2019 album *Old Star*?

The 2019 album *Old Star* featured a stronger emphasis on doom metal characteristics, with their influences from Candlemass becoming more apparent.

What musical styles inspired Darkthrone's 2021 album *Eternal Hails......*?

*Eternal Hails......* continued the band's incorporation of traditional doom metal, heavily influenced by Candlemass, and also drew inspiration from bands like Trouble and Black Sabbath.

When was Darkthrone's 2022 album *Astral Fortress* released?

Darkthrone's nineteenth album, *Astral Fortress*, was released on October 28, 2022.

When was Darkthrone's most recent album, *It Beckons Us All.......*, released, and where was it recorded?

The band's twentieth album, *It Beckons Us All.......*, was released on April 26, 2024. It was recorded in April and May of 2023 at Chaka Khan Studio in Oslo.

Who are the current members of Darkthrone and what instruments/roles do they primarily handle?

The current members of Darkthrone are Fenriz, who handles drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, and vocals, and Nocturno Culto, who handles vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and lyrics. Both have been members since the band's early days, with Fenriz active from 1986 and Nocturno Culto from 1988.

Who are the former members of Darkthrone, and during what periods were they active?

The former members of Darkthrone include Zephyrous (Ivar Enger) on guitars from 1986 to 1993, Anders Risberget on guitars from 1986 to 1988, and Dag Nilsen on bass from 1988 to 1991.

What is the Darkthrone logo, and who designed it?

The Darkthrone logo has appeared on the band's releases since their first album, *Soulside Journey*. It was designed by Tassilo Förg, Gylve "Fenriz" Nagell, and Tomas Lindberg, who was also associated with the bands Grotesque and At the Gates.

What were the four demo tapes released by Darkthrone in their early years?

Darkthrone released four demo tapes between 1988 and 1989: *Land of Frost*, *A New Dimension* (a rehearsal demo), *Thulcandra*, and *Cromlech* (a live demo).

What EPs and singles has Darkthrone released?

Darkthrone has released several EPs and singles, including *Under Beskyttelse av Mørke* (2005), *Too Old, Too Cold* (2006), *Forebyggende Krig* (2006), *NWOBHM* (2007), *Leave No Cross Unturned* (Edit) (2013), *Burial Bliss / Visual Aggression* (2017), *The Hardship of the Scots* (2019), and *Hate Cloak* (2021).

What compilations and tribute albums have been released in relation to Darkthrone?

Compilations and tribute albums related to Darkthrone include *Darkthrone Holy Darkthrone* (1998), *The Next Thousand Years Are Ours* (1999), *Preparing for War* (2000, re-released 2005), *Frostland Tapes* (2008), *Sempiternal Past – The Darkthrone Demos* (2011), *Introducing Darkthrone* (2013), *Peaceville Presents... Darkthrone* (2013), *Black Death and Beyond* (2014), *The Wind of 666 Black Hearts* (2016), and *Shadows of Iconoclasm* (2021).

Which Darkthrone album is noted for being their only death metal studio album?

The album *Soulside Journey*, released in 1991, is noted as Darkthrone's only death metal studio album.

What is the significance of the album *A Blaze in the Northern Sky* being on permanent display at the National Library of Norway?

Since 2020, Darkthrone's album *A Blaze in the Northern Sky* has been on permanent display in the National Library of Norway, highlighting its cultural significance within Norwegian music history.

What were the chart positions for Darkthrone's album *The Cult Is Alive* in Norway?

The album *The Cult Is Alive*, released in 2006, was the first Darkthrone album to enter the album chart in Norway, debuting at number 22.

What were the chart positions for Darkthrone's album *Circle the Wagons* in Norway and the UK?

Darkthrone's 2010 album *Circle the Wagons* reached number 23 on the Norwegian charts and number 43 on the UK Independent Albums chart.

Darkthrone Wiki: Darkthrone: A Sonic Excavation of Norwegian Black Metal's Evolution

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Origins

Foundation

Darkthrone emerged from the Norwegian municipality of Kolbotn, Akershus, a locale south of Oslo. The band's inception dates back to late 1986, initially formed under the moniker Black Death, focusing on the death metal genre.

Early Influences

The formative sound of Darkthrone was heavily shaped by prominent death metal acts such as Autopsy, alongside the influential works of Venom, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Slayer, and Nocturnus. This early period laid the groundwork for their subsequent sonic explorations.

Genres

Stylistic Spectrum

Darkthrone's discography showcases a remarkable evolution, traversing multiple subgenres within the extreme music landscape. Their primary stylistic classifications include:

Black Metal
Crust Punk
Black 'n' Roll
Doom Metal
Death Metal (early material)

Historical Trajectory

The Genesis: Death Metal Beginnings (1986-1991)

Formed in late 1986 as Black Death in Kolbotn, Norway, the band initially explored death metal. Key members Gylve Nagell (later Fenriz), Ivar Enger, and Anders Risberget were inspired by bands like Autopsy and Venom. By late 1987, the name changed to Darkthrone, and Ted Skjellum (later Nocturno Culto) joined in 1988. Their debut, Soulside Journey (1991), was a death metal album with nascent black metal elements, recorded at Sunlight Studios. The instrumental demo Goatlord, featuring vocals overdubbed later, also emerged from this era.

The band's early independent releases included demo tapes like Land of Frost, A New Dimension, Thulcandra, and Cromlech. Signing with Peaceville Records, their debut Soulside Journey was released in 1991. Following this, the band continued to evolve, culminating in the instrumental Goatlord, which was eventually released with vocals in 1996.

The Unholy Trinity: Forging Black Metal's Core (1991-1994)

In 1991, influenced by figures like Euronymous of Mayhem, Darkthrone underwent a significant stylistic and aesthetic transformation. Adopting corpse paint and pseudonyms (Fenriz, Nocturno Culto, Zephyrous), they shifted towards black metal. Their second album, A Blaze in the Northern Sky (1992), marked their definitive entry into the genre and is considered a foundational release. This was followed by Under a Funeral Moon (1993), solidifying their black metal sound, and Transilvanian Hunger (1994), which featured only Fenriz and Nocturno Culto and became known for its raw production and controversial lyrical contributions.

The period from 1991 to 1994 is often referred to as the band's "Unholy Trinity" era, with A Blaze in the Northern Sky, Under a Funeral Moon, and Transilvanian Hunger being seminal works. Guitarist Zephyrous departed after Under a Funeral Moon, leaving Darkthrone as a duo. Transilvanian Hunger notably included lyrics penned by Varg Vikernes and the controversial phrase "Norwegian Aryan Black Metal."

Navigating the Underground: Moonfog Era and Beyond (1995-2004)

Transitioning to Moonfog Productions, Darkthrone released albums such as Panzerfaust (1995) and Total Death (1996), continuing their black metal output with distinct lyrical contributions from other musicians. Subsequent albums like Ravishing Grimness (1999), Plaguewielder (2001), Hate Them (2003), and Sardonic Wrath (2004) saw the band incorporating electronic elements and a slightly clearer production, while still retaining their core sound. This era also saw Fenriz actively involved in numerous side projects. The band played their final live performance in 1996.

During the mid-to-late 90s and early 2000s, Darkthrone maintained a prolific release schedule. Albums like Panzerfaust and Total Death featured contributions from other black metal artists for lyrics. Fenriz's extensive involvement in side projects like Isengard and Storm showcased his diverse musical interests. The band's last live performance occurred on April 6, 1996, at Rockefeller in Oslo.

Diversification and Resilience: Punk, Metal, and Evolution (2005-Present)

Returning to Peaceville Records in 2005, Darkthrone began a period of stylistic diversification. The Cult Is Alive (2006) introduced significant crust punk influences, charting in Norway. This was followed by albums like F.O.A.D. (2007), which blended punk and traditional heavy metal, and Circle the Wagons (2010), leaning towards speed metal. Their 2013 album, The Underground Resistance, marked a complete departure from black metal, embracing classic heavy metal and speed metal. More recent works, including Arctic Thunder (2016), Old Star (2019), Eternal Hails...... (2021), Astral Fortress (2022), and It Beckons Us All....... (2024), have continued to incorporate doom metal and blackened heavy metal elements, demonstrating a sustained artistic evolution.

The band's return to Peaceville also saw the release of Too Old, Too Cold (2006), which included their first music video and charted in Norway. Their subsequent albums consistently explored new sonic territories while maintaining their core identity. Collaborations with the National Library of Norway have also highlighted their cultural significance. Their latest releases continue to blend influences, showcasing a mature and enduring artistic vision.

Discography

Studio Albums Overview

Darkthrone has released a substantial body of work, with their studio albums charting their stylistic progression. The following table outlines their primary studio releases:

Year	Title	NOR	SWE	FIN	GER	SUI	BE (WA)	UK (Rock & Metal)	UK (Independent)	Notes
1991	Soulside Journey									The band's only death metal studio album.
1992	A Blaze in the Northern Sky									Recorded in August 1991 and released in February 1992. Final release with bassist Dag Nilsen. Since 2020, the album has been on permanent display in the National Library of Norway.
1993	Under a Funeral Moon									Recorded in June 1992 and released in June 1993. Final release with guitarist Ivar Enger.
1994	Transilvanian Hunger									Recorded in November–December 1993, with vocals added early in 1994. Released in February 1994. Featured four songs with lyrics written by Varg Vikernes.
1995	Panzerfaust									Recorded in February–April 1994 and released in June 1995. Featured one song with lyrics written by Varg Vikernes.
1996	Total Death									Featured lyrics written by four guests from other black metal bands.
1996	Goatlord									Instrumental rehearsal demo; recorded in late 1990 and early 1991, released on CD in 1996, including vocals overdubbed by Fenriz in 1994.
1999	Ravishing Grimness
2001	Plaguewielder
2003	Hate Them
2004	Sardonic Wrath
2006	The Cult Is Alive	22	59							Represented a shift in their style with traits of crust punk.
2007	F.O.A.D.
2008	Dark Thrones and Black Flags
2010	Circle the Wagons	23							43
2013	The Underground Resistance	23	50	35				14	29
2016	Arctic Thunder			40	56			9	22
2019	Old Star							2	10	Represented a shift in style, with a fusion of traditional doom metal and the 'blackened heavy metal' sound.
2021	Eternal Hails......	31		9			160	6	11
2022	Astral Fortress		56	21	23	51		6	15
2024	It Beckons Us All.......			47				4	10

Band Members

Current Members

Fenriz (Gylve Fenris Nagell) – drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals, lyrics (1986–present)
Nocturno Culto (Ted Skjellum) – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, lyrics (1988–present)

Former Members

Zephyrous (Ivar Enger) – guitars (1986–1993)
Anders Risberget – guitars (1986–1988)
Dag Nilsen – bass (1988–1991)

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References

Spermeth, Marc: Besessen von der Dunkelheit und dem BÃ¶sen. In: Ablaze, no. 5, May/June 1995, p. 10 (in German).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Darkthrone Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Academic Context and Limitations

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data to provide an academic overview of Darkthrone. It is intended for informational and educational purposes, aiming to illuminate the band's historical significance and musical evolution.

This is not professional music criticism or historical endorsement. The content reflects a synthesis of information and should not be considered definitive historical fact or a substitute for expert analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, the AI cannot guarantee the complete absence of omissions or interpretations.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Darkthrone: A Sonic Excavation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins 🌍

📍 Foundation

🎶 Early Influences

Genres 🎶

🎼 Stylistic Spectrum

Historical Trajectory 📜

💀 The Genesis: Death Metal Beginnings (1986-1991)

🔥 The Unholy Trinity: Forging Black Metal's Core (1991-1994)

⏳ Navigating the Underground: Moonfog Era and Beyond (1995-2004)

⚡ Diversification and Resilience: Punk, Metal, and Evolution (2005-Present)

Discography 💿

📊 Studio Albums Overview

Band Members 👤

👑 Current Members

⏳ Former Members

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Context and Limitations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins

Foundation

Early Influences

Genres

Stylistic Spectrum

Historical Trajectory

The Genesis: Death Metal Beginnings (1986-1991)

The Unholy Trinity: Forging Black Metal's Core (1991-1994)

Navigating the Underground: Moonfog Era and Beyond (1995-2004)

Diversification and Resilience: Punk, Metal, and Evolution (2005-Present)

Discography

Studio Albums Overview

Band Members

Current Members

Former Members

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Context and Limitations