Immortal are a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991 in Bergen, Norway. Known for their frigid, atmospheric sound, distinct use of imagery (such as snowy landscapes and dark, mythical themes), and their significant influence on the Norwegian black metal scene, Immortal has become one of the genre’s most iconic bands.

Early Years (1991–1992):

Immortal was founded by Abbath Doom Occulta (Olve Eikemo), Demonaz Doom Occulta (Harald Nævdal), Armagedda (Gerhard Herfinda), and Jørn Inge Tunsberg. Initially, the band played in a more traditional thrash metal style, but they soon moved towards black metal, drawing influence from the scene that was growing around them rapidly. In 1991, Immortal recorded their first demo, Immortal, which began to define their sound, blending high-pitched shrieks with fast, tremolo-picked guitar riffs. Their second demo, The Fullmoon Saga (1992), showcased further development in their style, leaning more heavily into the atmospheric elements that would define their later work.

Rise to Prominence (1992–1997):

Immortal signed to Osmose Productions in 1992 and released their debut full-length album, Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism (1992), which established them as a key player in the burgeoning Norwegian black metal scene. The album featured their signature blend of fast, cold, and aggressive riffs, with a focus on atmospheric production, complemented by themes of darkness, nature, and Norse mythology. In 1993, the band released Pure Holocaust, which was a major breakthrough in terms of both critical acclaim and influence. The album’s relentless speed, icy sound, and raw energy became a template for many black metal bands to follow. This release marked the beginning of Immortal’s reputation for combining melody with aggression, creating a distinctive style that would come to define their work. The band’s third album, Battles in the North (1995), further solidified their place in the black metal pantheon. With tracks like Blashyrkh (Mighty Ravendark), Immortal pushed the boundaries of black metal, incorporating more complex song structures and expansive atmospheric elements. This was also the beginning of their iconic visual and thematic focus on wintery landscapes and northern mythology, which would become a hallmark of the band’s identity.

The Abbath Era (1997–2003):

In 1997, Immortal released At the Heart of Winter, considered by many to be one of their defining masterpieces. The album saw the band adopting a more refined sound, balancing melody with aggression, and introducing greater technical precision in their music. The track Withstand the Fall of Time exemplified this shift, with its epic, mid-tempo pace and soaring guitar lines. Immortal also became known for their elaborate live performances during this period, characterized by atmospheric fog, ice and snow imagery, and elaborate costumes. The band continued to evolve with Damned in Black (2000), which displayed a more streamlined and accessible sound, without losing the icy atmospheres and intensity that fans had come to expect. The album was well-received, showcasing a matured Immortal, blending faster tempos with intricate, layered songwriting. In 2002, Immortal released Sons of Northern Darkness, their final album before a self imposed hiatus. The album was a critical success, combining everything the band had done up to that point—cold, harsh riffs, intense drumming, and sweeping, atmospheric moments. Songs like One by One and Tyrants became anthems of the band’s legacy.

Hiatus and Reformation (2003–2007):

In 2003, Immortal went on a hiatus various personal reasons. The hiatus was further complicated by Demonaz’s health problems, which led to him stepping away from performing live. However, the band’s legacy remained intact, and Immortal’s influence continued to shape the black metal scene during this period. Immortal reunited in 2006, with Abbath and Demonaz back at the helm. They released All Shall Fall (2009), their first album in nearly a decade. The album marked a return to their classic sound, with the familiar cold, aggressive riffs, blast beats, and soaring melodies. The release received praise for its powerful songwriting, although it was noted that it didn’t quite reach the heights of their earlier works.

Continued Legacy and Abbath’s Departure (2010–2014):

In 2013, Immortal faced another significant change: Abbath departed the band. The split was amicable, to a degree, but it left the future of Immortal uncertain. Despite this, Demonaz chose to continue with Immortal, recruiting new members to keep the band going. In 2015, Immortal released Northern Chaos Gods, the first album without Abbath. The album was a return to form, with Demonaz taking over vocal duties and continuing the band’s cold, atmospheric black metal style. Despite the lineup changes, the album was well-received by fans and critics alike.

The Future (2017–Present):

Since the release of Northern Chaos Gods, Immortal has continued to be an influential force in the black metal world. Demonaz and the band’s other members have continued to perform and record, thpugh separately, keeping the legacy of Immortal alive. After a legal battle between the members of Immortal, that started in 2014 and didn’t end fully until sometime in 2020, Immortal would release War Against All with Demonaz as the only member of the original line-up left. Fans who held out any hope of the band reforming had those hopes dashed when Demonaz gave an interview to El Cuartel del Metal where he stated;

We tried all that before several times, and it didn’t work. So I don’t see why I should do that again. I don’t see a reason to do it, ’cause we tried it before. It didn’t work. And when something doesn’t work, why do you wanna do it again? It’s easy.”

Yet throughout their history, Immortal has maintained a fiercely loyal fanbase, and their contributions to black metal are undeniable. Their blend of aggression, atmosphere, and mythology has cemented their place as one of the genre’s most important and influential acts. Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, the legacy of Immortal continues to resonate in the black metal community.