Old Man's Child is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, founded by Galder (formerly Grusom, born Thomas Rune Andersen), the group's sole permanent member.
History Old Man's Child was officially founded in 1993, but its roots go back to 1989, when Galder, Jardar, and Tjodalv formed death/thrash band Requiem. They covered songs by Slayer and Metallica, and released a demo album in 1990. "Requiem" dissolved in 1992.
In 1996, after their first full-length album, Born of the Flickering, they signed with Century Media. Following the releases of The Pagan Prosperity and Ill-Natured Spiritual Invasion through Century Media, the band embarked on a rare tour. Old Man's Child tours infrequently due to line-up changes.
In 2000, Galder joined Dimmu Borgir but continued to work with Old Man's Child. Over the years, the band became a one-man project, using session musicians for their albums.
Between 2000 and 2005, Galder released the albums Revelation 666 – The Curse of Damnation (2000), In Defiance of Existence (2003), and Vermin (2005). In July 2008, Old Man's Child announced that they would record their seventh album, Slaves of the World. It was released in 2009.
In an early 2011 interview, Galder stated that he was focused on the current Dimmu Borgir tour. He mentioned that after the tour, he would begin writing music for Old Man's Child, possibly releasing an album in 2012. This did not occur, and the band entered a period of inactivity, during which Galder appeared focused on Dimmu Borgir.
In December 2019, the group was reactivated. Galder posted a video on the band's Facebook page of him working on new Old Man's Child material—the first in over a decade. Galder left Dimmu Borgir in August 2024, announcing that he would finish the new album and tour with Old Man's Child. In March 2025, Galder announced Tjodalv's return to the band to tour in the summer.
Discography Studio albums Born of the Flickering (1996) The Pagan Prosperity (1997) Ill-Natured Spiritual Invasion (1998) Revelation 666 – The Curse of Damnation (2000) In Defiance of Existence (2003) Vermin (2005) Slaves of the World (2009)
Compilations The Historical Plague (2003)
Demos In the Shades of Life (1994)
Splits Sons of Satan Gather for Attack (with Dimmu Borgir — also known as "Devil's Path / In the Shades of Life") (1999)
Band members Current members Galder (Tom Rune Andersen) – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards (1993–present) Kenneth "Tjodalv" Åkesson – drums (1993–1996, 1999–2001, 2025–present) Elvorn – bass (2025–present) Cyrus – guitars (2025–present) Hoest – vocals (2025–present)
Former members Brynjard Tristan – bass (1994–1995) Frode "Gonde" Forsmo – bass (1995–1997) Jon Øyvind "Jardar" Andersen – guitars, backing vocals (1993–1997, 1999–2003) Tony Kirkemo – drums (1996–1997) Jan Roger "Grimar" Halvorsen – drums (1999–2000)
Former session musicians Bjørn "Aldrahn" Dencker Gjerde - vocals (1995–1996) Stian Aarstad – keyboards (1996–1999) Gene Hoglan – drums (1998) Håkon "Memnoch" Didriksen – bass (2000) Nick Barker – drums (2003) Reno Kiilerich – drums (2005) Peter Wildoer – drums (2008)
Timeline
Recording +AlbumVocalsGuitar 1Guitar 2BassKeyboardsDrumsIn the Shades of LifeGalderJardarBrynjard TristanGalderTjodalvBorn of the FlickeringGalder / AldrahnGalderGondeThe Pagan ProsperityGalderTonyIll-Natured Spiritual InvasionGalderGene HoglanRevelation 666: The Curse of DamnationJardarMemnochTjodalv (4 tracks) Jan Roger Halvorsen (4 tracks)In Defiance of ExistenceGalderNick BarkerVerminGalderReno KiilerichSlaves of the WorldPeter Wildoer
References
External links Official Old Man's Child Myspace Official Old Man's Child Forum