Valhall

Valhall is a Norwegian doom metal band from Oslo, active from 1987. The group forms in the summer of 1987 when Kenneth and Ronny Sorkness meet Gylve Fenriz Nagell after he moves into their neighbourhood, and Kenth Robin Olsen later joins them. Fenriz already has enough equipment to start a band and has long planned to do so, and the early line-up rehearses and records regularly.

Early demos and changing line-ups

The band’s first demo, Castle of Death, appears in 1988 and presents a thrash metal style with a black metal sound. After that release, Lars Brede Jensen joins on guitar. In 1989 Valhall records Amalgamation, which moves towards hardcore and funcore. Fenriz then leaves to focus on Darkthrone, but returns as a session drummer for the 1991 demo Pagan Token.

Between 1989 and 1993, the group goes through several personnel changes. Thomas Berglie joins in 1989, Erik Lancelot replaces him in spring 1992, then later leaves and is followed by K. J. Lervåg on drums. Kenth Robin and Lars Brede also depart during this period. Fenriz returns in spring 1993, after which the band rehearses new material and auditions lead guitarists. Geir Kolden joins on rhythm guitar and Frode Malm on lead guitar.

Style and recordings

During this period Valhall develops a style influenced by doom metal groups such as Saint Vitus, Candlemass, Trouble and Sleep. In November 1993 the band records for the first time for inclusion on the sampler The Reincarnation of the Sun.

Valhall’s first album, Moonstoned, is released in 1995 on Head Not Found. After that, Frode leaves and Robin returns. Frank Wanberg later joins on synth and organ, and the band releases Heading for Mars in 1997. When Geir leaves that same year, Frank moves to lead guitar.

Later work

In 2000 Valhall records Red Planet, which remains unreleased at the time described in the band history. The album is eventually set for release through Housecore Records, the label founded by Philip H. Anselmo, who is said to be a fan of the band’s music.

Members

The group’s members include Fenriz and Erik Olivier Lancelot. Over its history, the band also includes Kenneth Sorkness, Ronny Sorkness, Kenth Robin Olsen, Lars Brede Jensen, Thomas Berglie, K. J. Lervåg, Geir Kolden, Frode Malm and Frank Wanberg.