Formation and Early Years (1986-1991):

Darkthrone was formed in 1986 in Kolbotn, Norway, by two teenagers, Fenriz (born Gylve Nagell) and Zephyrous (born Ted Skjellum). Initially, the band played a style of music closer to thrash and death metal, with influences from bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Venom. Their first name was Black Death, but they changed it to Darkthrone in 1987. The band’s lineup was not stable in the early years, and they went through several members before solidifying their identity as a two-piece act in the early ’90s. Their first demo, Land of Frost (1988), was followed by a few more, including A New Dimension (1989), all of which featured a more death/thrash-oriented style. Darkthrone’s early music was recorded with a clearer thrash metal influence, yet their use of atmospheric elements foreshadowed their later transition into black metal.

Transition to Black Metal and Rise to Fame (1991-1993):

In 1991, the band signed to the Norwegian label Peaceville Records, and they began to explore a darker, more atmospheric sound. This shift toward black metal came after their exposure to the emerging Norwegian black metal scene, which included bands like Mayhem and Burzum. Fenriz and Zephyrous decided to leave behind their death/thrash roots in favor of the raw, abrasive, and lo-fi sounds of black metal, influenced by the genre’s early pioneers, such as Bathory and Hellhammer.Their 1991 album Soulside Journey was recorded with a much heavier death metal influence, yet it laid the groundwork for their next evolution. However, it was their follow-up album, A Blaze in the Northern Sky (1992), that cemented Darkthrone’s place as a black metal institution. A Blaze in the Northern Sky is often cited as one of the definitive early black metal records, known for its raw, stripped-down sound, and haunting atmosphere. It was a radical departure from their earlier style, with Fenriz on drums and Zephyrous (who adopted the name Nocturno Culto) on vocals and guitar. The album’s raw production, characterized by its lo-fi qualities, matched the rebellious and underground spirit of the black metal scene. Following this album, Darkthrone continued to embrace their minimalist, raw approach on their next release, Under a Funeral Moon (1993). It continued the black metal ethos but with more refined songwriting and atmosphere. The album, with its dark and cold sound, became a major influence on the genre, representing the core of what would later be called the “Norwegian Black Metal sound.”

Iconoclasts of Black Metal (1994-2000):

Darkthrone’s influence continued to grow with the release of Transilvanian Hunger (1994), arguably their most iconic and influential album. The album’s production was intentionally rough, with a cold, buzzing quality that emphasized the bleakness of the black metal genre. The record became a cornerstone for the “second wave” of Norwegian black metal and is often considered a masterpiece of minimalist black metal. The simplicity of the riffs and the repetitive structures helped to define the genre’s distinctive atmosphere, often described as eerie and hypnotic.Throughout the mid-1990s and into the early 2000s, Darkthrone released a series of records that further established their legacy. The band’s sound began to evolve again, incorporating elements of traditional heavy metal, doom, and even punk rock. Albums like Goatlord (1996), The Cult is Alive (2006), and F.O.A.D. (2007) showed Darkthrone’s willingness to experiment with different genres while still maintaining the core black metal identity.

The Transition to More Traditional Metal (2000s-Present):

In the early 2000s, Darkthrone made a notable departure from their earlier black metal sound. While they remained influential in the scene, their sound began incorporating more traditional heavy metal and punk elements. The albums Plaguewielder (2001) and The Cult is Alive (2006) marked this shift, featuring more mid-paced riffing and the occasional nod to classic heavy metal bands. The punk influence, particularly from bands like Discharge, also began to seep through in their music, creating a hybrid style that was still distinctly Darkthrone but far removed from their raw black metal origins.Their 2010s-era albums, like The Underground Resistance (2013) and Arctic Thunder (2016), showcased an even more eclectic mix of traditional heavy metal, doom, and black metal influences, cementing their status as genre pioneers who were not afraid to reinvent themselves. While these albums still retained a dark and brooding atmosphere, they demonstrated the band’s increasing versatility and willingness to embrace different musical landscapes while maintaining their DIY spirit.

Legacy:

Darkthrone’s influence on the black metal scene is undeniable. They were not only key players in the development of Norwegian black metal but also helped shape the genre’s global identity. Their minimalist approach to black metal, their rejection of commercialism, and their embrace of an anti-mainstream ethos have made them one of the most respected and enduring acts yo ever emerge from the scene. The band’s distinct sound, which mixes black metal, punk, and traditional heavy metal, has influenced countless bands across a range of subgenres. Darkthrone continues to be active, with Fenriz and Nocturno Culto still at the helm and while their musical output may no longer conform strictly to black metal’s traditional boundaries, Darkthrone’s commitment to independence and artistic integrity has ensured their place as one of metal’s most influential and pioneering bands.Through their commitment to their craft and their refusal to follow trends, Darkthrone has carved out a legacy that extends far beyond black metal and into the broader world of extreme music, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.

Basically, Darkthrone are fucking awesome.