Immortal

Immortal is a Norwegian black metal band from Bergen, formed in 1991. The group is founded by Abbath Doom Occulta (Olve Eikemo) and Demonaz Doom Occulta (Harald Nævdal), with Abbath initially on bass and vocals and Demonaz on guitar. The band’s early line-up also includes Jørn on guitar and Armagedda on drums, and it works through a succession of drummers in its first years, including Grim and Hellhammer, before Horgh (Reidar Horghagen) joins as a permanent drummer in 1996.

Style and early recordings

The band begins with a death metal approach on its early demo recordings, then moves into black metal, drawing influence from Euronymous as well as Bathory and Celtic Frost. Its self-titled EP appears in 1991, followed by the debut album Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism in 1992. Pure Holocaust follows in 1993 and Battles in the North in 1995, extending the band’s fast, холод themes centred on darkness, cold and winter landscapes. Blizzard Beasts arrives in 1997 and adds thrash metal elements to the established style.

Line-up changes and later albums

Demonaz develops severe tendinitis and stops performing on guitar, while remaining the group’s main lyricist and manager. Abbath takes over guitar duties, and with Horgh on drums the band settles into a more stable formation. Iscariah joins on bass during the touring period for At the Heart of Winter (1999), which is often regarded as one of the band’s key releases and shifts toward a more complex blend of black metal and thrash metal. Damned in Black follows in 2000, and Sons of Northern Darkness appears in 2002 after the band signs with Nuclear Blast.

Breakup, reunion and later activity

The band splits in 2003 for personal reasons. During the hiatus, Abbath forms I and releases Between Two Worlds in 2006, with Demonaz contributing lyrics. Immortal reunites in 2007 and performs at festivals including Inferno Festival, Tuska Open Air, Metal Camp and Wacken Open Air, with Abbath, Horgh and bassist Apollyon in the line-up. All Shall Fall follows in 2009. Members also appear in the documentary Until the Light Takes Us.

Membership disputes and recent records

In the mid-2010s, disputes arise over the band name. Abbath leaves in 2015 and continues as a solo artist under the name Abbath. Demonaz and Horgh keep Immortal active, with Demonaz returning to guitar and adding vocals. Northern Chaos Gods appears in 2018, with production by Peter Tägtgren and Demonaz as the central member. Further disputes over the band name follow, including a trademark registration in Norway in 2019. In 2022 the band announces War Against All, which appears in 2023 with Demonaz as the sole listed member.

Recognition

In 2016, Loudwire ranks Immortal among the best metal bands of all time.

Earlier projects

The band develops out of earlier late-1980s projects. Old Funeral is founded by Abbath and Tore Bratseth and includes members such as Demonaz and Varg Vikernes before ending in 1992. Amputation is formed by Demonaz and Jørn Inge Tunsberg, releases two demos, and ends in 1990.