Gorgoroth

Guitarists Infernus and Tormentor anchor the Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth, whose name derives from the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Even with frequent membership shifts—particularly among bassists and drummers—the group preserved its stripped-down interpretation of the classic Norwegian style and eventually secured a worldwide contract with Nuclear Blast. The project traces its roots to 1993, when the first demo appeared, recorded by the initial configuration of vocalist Hat, bassist Kjettar, and drummer Goat Pervertor. Samoth of Emperor contributed bass to the official debut album Pentagram, issued later that year on the independent Malicious label. While the follow-up Antichrist was tracked, further personnel shifts occurred; once the record surfaced in 1995, vocalist Pest had entered the fold, Frost of Satyricon had handled drums on a temporary basis, and bassist Storm had joined the touring lineup. Under the Sign of Hell, released in 1997, brought bassist Ares of Aeturnus and drummer Grim of Borknagar into the studio, after which Grim yielded the drum stool to fellow Aeturnus member Vrolok. Gorgoroth’s first Nuclear Blast album, Destroyer, arrived in 1998 and included another appearance by Frost along with bassist T-Reaper and guest keyboardist Daimonion. In 1999 Nuclear Blast reissued the band’s initial three albums for international distribution. Two years later the group issued Incipit Satan, which featured vocalist Gaahl, bassist King Ov Hell, and drummer Sgt. Erichsen.