Iceni is a UK black metal group formed by Hroðgar in 2003, initially under the name Axiom. Hroðgar describes the band’s sound as “Albion Metal”, and it draws on very early British history, with epic folk and pagan elements layered over an early black metal base. The band remains active.

History and naming

Before the summer of 2006, the project operates as Axiom, first as Hroðgar’s one-man effort. The name then changes to Iceni as the line-up develops for live performance. The new name comes from the Brythonic tribe that lives in the area of modern-day Norfolk between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.

Releases and development

The only release issued under the Axiom name is the limited demo Defiant Heathen Spirit, released in January 2005 in a run of 100 copies as a CDr with a printed booklet and inlay through Hroðgar’s Monolith-Studio label. A cassette edition of the same demo follows later that year on the German label Stunde Des Ideals, limited to 500 copies. The second release, As Carnyx Screams Consume the Silence, appears in September 2007 and presents a more mature and accomplished sound with a stronger epic folk and pagan metal character.

Line-up

The live line-up includes Hroðgar on vocals, Adam and Ulfgar on lead and rhythm guitars, Sam on bass, and James on drums.

Style and themes

The band is associated with black metal, pagan black metal, Anglo-Saxon black metal, heathen black metal, and Albion metal. Its themes centre on the spirit of Albion, early British history, and defiance in the face of adversity.