Label: Peaceville
Reissued 2022, Originally released 1991
In 1986, Norwegians Gylve Nagell, Ted Skjellum, Ivar Enger, and Dag Nilsen formed the band BLACK DEATH. Just prior to their first release, Soulside Journey, the band changed its name to DARKTHRONE. With guidance from their friend Euronymus, of the famed MAYHEM, DARKTHRONE decided it was time for a new, darker image. Like their black metal cohorts they covered their faces in corpse paint and changed their names to represent the evilness of their music. DARKTHRONE is known for creating albums that sound raw and dirty. Even when modern equipment and recording budgets available to them have allowed for better production they go to great lengths to make their records sound as if they were recorded in a garage. Nagell became Fenriz, Skjellum became Nocturno Culto, and Enger adopted the name Zephyrous. Nilsen left the band but not until after recording the bass parts for their third album, Ablaze in the Northern Sky. Ablaze established DARKTHRONE as a genre originator along with other Scandinavian black metal bands such as MAYHEM, EMPEROR, and SATYRICON.
Track listing:
- Kathaarian Life Code
- In the Shadow of the Horns
- Paragon Belial
- Where Cold Winds Blow
- A Blaze in the Northern Sky
- The Pagan Winter