Amestigon

Formed in Austria, black metal group Amestigon originated with ex-Abigor vocalist and drummer Rune, who subsequently took the name Tharen, together with bassist/guitarist Thurisaz. Upholding the "ancient way" of the style as championed by Burzum and Darkthrone, the band favors raw guitars, furious rhythms, screamed vocals, ambient keyboard passages, and occasional folk music influences rather than the gothic, orchestrated, and clean-singing developments that entered the genre more recently. Their first outing arrived in 1996 on a split EP shared with fellow countrymen Angizia, after which the outfit fell quiet for a time before returning in 2000 via the mini-CD Remembering Ancient Origins, now featuring additional members Lanz (guitar/bass), Herr Wolf (guitar), and Silenius (vocals).