Urgehal () is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Hønefoss in 1992 by lead guitarist/vocalist Trond Bråthen ('Trondr Nefas') and rhythm guitarist 'Enzifer'. Before disbanding in 2016, they released seven full-length albums, four EPs, and two demos. The band reformed in 2022 to honor former members.
History Trondr Nefas and Enzifer formed Urgehal in 1992. They released two demos in 1994 and 1995. Early in 1996, they signed with German label No Colours, and recorded their debut album, Arma Christi, that year. The follow-up, Massive Terrestrial Strike, was released in 1997. The band switched labels to Flesh For Beast. The album Atomkinder was released in 2001, and the next, Through Thick Fog 'till Death, was released in 2003. Flesh For Beast retired, and their fifth album, Goatcraft Torment, was released in 2006 through sister label Agonia Records. Shortly after, 15-year anniversary album The Eternal Eclipse was released, containing rarities and a photo booklet tracing the band's history. In 2007, the band signed to Season of Mist. Most songs for the next album were written that year. Internal problems delayed recording. The album, Ikonoklast, was released in early 2009."Urgehal - Interview" . Metal Glory magazine. 11 January 2010. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
Guitarist/vocalist Trondr Nefas died in May 2012, aged 34. According to a statement from the band, the death was sudden, but he "died a peaceful and natural death" in the woods "at one of his favorite places". Nefas was involved with other bands. Notably, he was the guitarist and bassist of black metal bands Beastcraft, Angst Skvadron, Vulture Lord, and Bloodsworn.
Style and sound
Their style and sound is strongly influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene of the early 1990s, and Enzifer has called Norwegian band Darkthrone their biggest inspiration. Other influences include "old-school heavy, thrash, speed, death and black metal [...] and the old South American extreme metal scene". Onstage, Urgehal wear traditional black metal attire, such as spiked wristbands, inverted crosses and corpse paint. Enzifer is also known for wearing a face mask with spikes protruding from it, which he says is used "to mirror my inner darkness"."Interview with Enzifer of Urgehal, 2007". NocturnalCult.com. Retrieved 31 October 2012. Urgehal define themselves as a "Satanic" band, explaining that they "use Satan as a biblical and metaphorical expression of the inner evil of Man". They explained their name as "an expression in old Norse mythology", describing it as "an endless deep and dark forest where all the evil dwells".Urgehal . Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
Discography Studio albums Arma Christi (1997) Massive Terrestrial Strike (1998) Atomkinder (2001) Through Thick Fog Till Death (2003) Goatcraft Torment (2006) Ikonoklast (2009) Aeons in Sodom (2016)
EPs Demonrape (2005) Satanisk Norsk Black Metal (2007) – split with Beastcraft Death Is Complete (2011) Maatte Blodet Flomme (2012) – split with Sarkom
Compilations and tribute albums A Norwegian Hail To VON (2005) – VON tribute split with Norwegian Evil, Amok and Taake The Eternal Eclipse: 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal (2007) – an anniversary album
Demos Ferd (1994) Rise of the Monument (1995)
Band members Lineup Enzifer – guitar (1992–2016, 2022–present), drums (1992–1997), keyboards (1995–2016), bass (2016) Mannevond – bass (2007–2012, 2022–present) Uruz – drums (1998–2008, 2011–2016, 2022-present)
Former members Nefas – vocals, guitar (1992–2012; died 2012), drums (1995, 2010), bass (2008) Chiron – bass (1992–1997; died 2019) Aradia – keyboards (1992–1995) Shregoth (Tomas Torgersbråten) – bass (2003–2006) Renton (Eirik Renton) – drums (2008–2010)
Timeline
References
External links
Urgehal on Myspace