Gorgoroth

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This article is about the black metal band. For the place in Middle-earth, see Gorgoroth (Middle-earth).
Gorgoroth
The Gaahl-fronted version of Gorgoroth performing in Paris, 2007
The Gaahl-fronted version of Gorgoroth performing in Paris, 2007
Background information
Origin Bergen, Norway
Genre(s) Black metal
Years active 1992 - present
Label(s) Embassy Productions
Malicious Records
Century Black
Nuclear Blast
Regain Records
Season of Mist[1]
Forces of Satan Records[2]
Website www.gorgoroth.org
www.gorgoroth.info
Members
See below
Former members
See below

Gorgoroth is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway that was founded by Infernus in 1992. Since October 2007, the band has split into two distinct factions with both sides determined to continue under the Gorgoroth name. This name was derived from J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings, in which Gorgoroth is a dead plateau of evil and darkness in the land of Mordor.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early years (1992-1998)

Gorgoroth was formed in 1992 by guitarist Infernus.[3] In 1993, the band released their first demo, entitled A Sorcery Written In Blood.[4] After the demo was released, Gorgoroth signed a record deal with Embassy Productions and started work on their debut full-length Pentagram.[5] Samoth of Emperor participated on the album by recording the bass tracks. After Pentagram was completed and released in 1994, Goat left the band and was replaced by Frost from Satyricon. The band performed their first concert at Lusa Lottes Pub in Oslo, Norway, in May 1994, at a metal festival with bands such as Dark Funeral (who also made their live debut), Dissection, Enslaved, Marduk (who played their first gig abroad), Gehenna and Hades Almighty.[6][7] The same year, the band commenced the recording of Antichrist, their second full-length album. Vocalist Hat decided to leave Gorgoroth in 1995, but not until after he had finished recording the vocal tracks. It was at this time Gorgoroth's well-known vocalist Pest joined. In December 1995, the band supported Cradle of Filth at the London Astoria, a show which also included the band Primordial.[8] This marked the first Gorgoroth live appearance of both vocalist Pest and bassist Ares. Antichrist, which was released in 1996, was a highly successful release. The band went on a European tour with Satyricon and Dissection in April 1996[9], as well as a Norwegian tour. Soon the name Gorgoroth was commonplace in the black metal underground, if somewhat overshadowed by some of the more famous black metal bands such as Mayhem or Emperor. The band's third full-length album, Under the Sign of Hell, was recorded in spring 1996, and guitarist Tormentor joined the band later in the year. Under the Sign of Hell was released in 1997, and Gorgoroth went on their first headlining European tour in fall 1997, with support by Mystic Circle.[10]

[edit] Tenure with Nuclear Blast (1998 - 2004)

Following the release of Under the Sign of Hell and the fall tour of 1997, the well-known German heavy metal record label Nuclear Blast sought to sign Gorgoroth. The band accepted the offer in 1998. This move was controversial among many black metal enthusiasts who pertained to the tenets of an 'underground black metal scene', however Gorgoroth sought to utilise Nuclear Blast's distribution capacity for their own ends.[11][12] The first album recorded and released for Nuclear Blast was Destroyer (1998). New singer Gaahl joined the band at this time, but was heard on only one song, the title track of Destroyer. In May 1998, Gorgoroth accompanied Cradle of Filth on their European tour, with support from Old Man's Child and Einherjer.[13][14] Gorgoroth also performed at Wacken Open Air in summer 1998.[15]

In 1999, Gorgoroth began journeying into unknown territory with the recording of Incipit Satan. Though written by Infernus once again, the album delved into musical ideas not expanded upon by the group in previous recordings. Songs such as "Will to Power" showcased strong industrial, dark ambient, and noise influences (more so than on Destroyer and Under the Sign of Hell, both of which showed signs of experimentation). The song "When Love Rages Wild in My Heart" featured clean, bluesy vocals. Overall, the album displayed progressive tendencies, yet still retained a traditional black metal edge and Infernus' signature sound. The album was released in 2000, and was preceded by a European tour in December 1999, supporting Morbid Angel.[16] In May, 2000, Gorgoroth headlined a European tour, with bands like Old Man's Child and Krisiun as supporting acts.[17] At the same time, Gorgoroth was featured on a tribute album to the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, with a cover version of that band's "Life Eternal" from the De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas album. This song had been recorded in 1998, and featured Gaahl on vocals, as well as Infernus and Tormentor on rhythm guitars, T-Reaper on lead guitar and bass, and Vrolok on drums.[18] This is the only released Gorgoroth recording which has not appeared on a full-length Gorgoroth album.

In early June 2000, Gorgoroth performed at the first Hole in the Sky festival in Bergen, Norway. This festival was arranged in memory of former Gorgoroth drummer Grim, and also included bands such as Immortal, Enslaved, Obtained Enslavement, Hades Almighty and Aeternus. On June 23, 2000, Gorgoroth headlined the "Knüppelnacht" stage at the With Full Force festival in Leipzig, Germany.[19]

The 2000 line-up consisted of Gaahl, Infernus, Tormentor, King and Kvitrafn, and this line-up would remain a stable one until Tormentor quit the band in 2002.[20] After Tormentor's departure, Gorgoroth began writing their new album, Twilight of the Idols. The album showed a return to a more solidified black metal style, but was still quite different from early Gorgoroth releases, mainly due to the fact that most of the album's songs were written by bassist King rather than Infernus.

[edit] Controversy in Kraków and transfer to Regain Records (2004 - 2007)

On February 1st, 2004, during a recorded for DVD concert in Kraków, Poland, the band displayed sheep heads on stakes, a bloodbath of 80 liters of sheep's blood, satanic symbols, and four naked crucified models on stage. A police investigation took place with allegations of religious offense (which is prosecutable under Polish law) and cruelty to animals[21]. Though these charges were considered, the band was not charged as it was ruled that they were unaware of the fact that what they were doing was illegal, although the concert organizer was eventually fined 10000zł (~$4,658 USD/£2358 GBP) in 2007 as he knew about it and neither informed the band that it was against the law nor intervened.[22] The whole controversy led to the band being dropped from the roster of the Nuclear Blast Tour and the footage of the concert being confiscated by the police[23]. Following this controversy - and also having achieved a satisfactory degree of worldwide recognition through Nuclear Blast's distribution facilities - Gorgoroth terminated their contract with the label. Gorgoroth supposedly secured a reputation as a band with a vehement anti-Right Hand Path agenda, of which select employees in the company were alleged to have felt uneasy with due to their own personal beliefs.[12]

In 2006 Gorgoroth released Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam through Regain Records. For the recording, Frost performed on the drums again. This album helped the band to expand its fan base. Gorgoroth was nominated in the "Metal" category at the 35th annual Spellemann Awards for this album (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards). Gaahl served a sentence in gaol from spring to December that year for assault in 2002, as did Infernus for 'gross negligent rape' in 2004 between October 2006 and March 2007.[24][25]

In April 2007, a 5-part series entitled True Norwegian Black Metal, produced by Beste, aired on VBS.tv. The documentary largely followed the life of vocalist Gaahl.[1]

[edit] Band split controversy (2007-present)

In October 2007, Infernus announced on the band's official Myspace page that "a decision to split up the band" had been made with him on one side, Gaahl and King on the other.[26] The statement explained that the members "cannot continue working together any longer" and further noted that both sides intended to continue under the band's name.[26] A statement from Gaahl and King was also issued on the same day.[27] Gaahl issued another statement two days later claiming that the band "has not split up but continued on in a different form."[28] The statement further claims that Infernus "has not been a creative force for the last eight years" and "has shown no interest in the art [of] defining Gorgoroth during that same period of time."[28] Infernus responded on the following day with a statement noting that he claims the legal right to band's name as "the founder and only original member of the band."[29] Another statement from Infernus arrived a week later claiming that Gaahl "has been considering quitting the band numerous times" while King had left the band the previous year "due to difficulties combining playing in a clear-cut Satanic metal band as Gorgoroth with the fact that he is full-time employed as a primary school teacher."[30] Infernus further notes that as the band's founding member, he would "not agree on giving away the name [he] rightfully own to [their] third vocalist and sixth or seventh (!) bass player for whatever reasons they might have."[30]

The Gaahl-fronted version of the band announced that the renown Hellhammer would join them on drums from the beginning of 2008[31] while Teloch and Nicholas Barker were revealed as members of their touring line-up.[32]

In December, Regain Records issued a press release to announce that they "will continue the co-operation with the band's original member Infernus with a new line-up" and that they "recognizes Infernus as the rightful owner of the bands name, logo and trademark, and is prepared to take any legal steps necessary to prevent any third part from exploiting it, artistically and commercially."[33] A week later, Gaahl and King delivered a statement announcing that it has been "legally determined" by the Norwegian patent office that they "retain the rightful ownership and use of the name and logo, now and in the future."[34] The statement also declared that Gaahl and King has severed ties with Regain Records for "their disloyal acts" and are "carefully choosing a new label for the release of their next full-length album."[34] Infernus subsequently declared that the Norwegian patent office decision will be appealed by Regain Records and himself.[35] He also revealed Tomas Asklund and Frank Watkins as members of his Gorgoroth line-up.[35]

In March 2008, Infernus announced that he hired an additional lawyer - Kate I Lohren of Onsagers AS - and made a non-negotiable offer to Gaahl and King with a three days deadline.[36] The offer was not accepted and Infernus then declared that his attorney will appeal the Norwegian Patent Office decision and "commence legal proceedings in order to have the matter handled by the courts."[37]

On May 30, 2008, Regain Records announced the June 2008 release of True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen, a new Gorgoroth album recorded live in studio.[38][39] The recording line-up consisted of Infernus on guitars and bass, Gaahl on vocals, Teloch on session guitars, and Garghuf on session drums.[40]

[edit] Suppression of lyrics and tablature

Gorgoroth not only refuses to publish their lyrics, but also actively suppresses any public showings of fan-written reconstructions. The reason for this suppression is not fully known, though possible reasons include the desire to prevent other bands from covering Gorgoroth material as well as the preservation of the genre’s characteristic remoteness and exclusivity. While they never printed their lyrics even before Gaahl joined the band - due to Infernus' beliefs - since he joined in 1998 this stance has been cemented. As a practitioner of old Nordic Shamanism, Gaahl has expressed his belief that words instantly lose their meaning and value once written down.[citation needed] The metal-lyric website Darklyrics.com contains the message “Gorgoroth lyrics removed due to copyright complaint by the band,” in lieu of any actual lyrics. Lyricsondemand.com displays a cease-and-desist message from Arne Beckmann of Prophecies Publishing which reads as follows [41]:

Dear siteowners, Please note that I am writing on behalf of Prophecies Publishing (PP) and as their business manager. PP is the official music publishing company of the band Gorgoroth. The band has requested us to take care of a removal of their lyrics from your website. Herewith we request you to remove any lyrics of the band Gorgoroth from your systems immediately, but not later than 18th Feb 2004. Please be aware that we will undertake any necessary steps (even legal steps) to enforce this. This is nothing against you and your business or dedication, but you will understand that we as music publisher of the band will have to enforce the copyright as desired by the songwriters. Since you did not license the lyrics you violate international copyright laws and conventions. With best regards, Arne Beckmann Prophecies Publishing

Some onlookers have been highly critical of Gorgoroth's lyrical suppression. As the lyrics are sometimes hard to decipher, as with many extreme metal lyrics, especially those not used to black metal style vocals, it has been suggested the band's stance has been paradoxical, citing their emphasis on ideology over music[citation needed].

[edit] Line-up

Since October 2007, the band's name has been in use by two different entities as detailed above.

[edit] Gaahl-fronted version

Current members

  • Gaahl (Kristian Espedal) - Vocals (1998-present)
  • King (Tom Cato Visnes) - Bass (1999-2006, 2007-present)
  • Hellhammer - Drums (2008-present)

Touring members

  • Teloch - Guitar (2007-present)
  • Nicholas Barker - Drums (2007-present)
  • Ice Dale (Arve Isdal) - Guitar (2008-present)

Former touring members

  • Sykelig (of Den Saakaldte) - Guitar (2007)

[edit] Infernus-fronted version

Current members

[edit] Former members (before October 2007)

Former touring members (before October 2007)

  • Garghuf (Dani Robnik) - Drums (2007)
  • Teloch - Guitar (2004-2005, 2007)
  • Dirge Rep (of Gehenna, Orcustus, ex-Enslaved) - Drums (2004-2007)
  • Skagg - Guitar (2005)[43]
  • Apollyon (Ole Jørgen Moe, of Aura Noir, Immortal) - Guitar (2003-2004)

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

[edit] Live albums

[edit] Forthcoming albums

  • Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt (Infernus-fronted version)[37]

[edit] DVD

[edit] Tribute albums

[edit] Compilation albums

  • Blackend: The Black Metal Compilation: Volume 1 (1996)
  • Feuersturm (1997)
  • Feuersturm: Volume II: The Ultimate Storm (1998)
  • Death... Is Just the Beginning V (1999)
  • Death... Is Just the Beginning Vol. VI (2000)

[edit] Demos and promos

[edit] Music videos

[edit] Compilation DVD

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gorgoroth at Season of Mist. Retrieved on 2008-05-29.
  2. ^ a b Forces of Satan Records. Retrieved on 2008-05-29.
  3. ^ http://www.gorgoroth.info/band.htm
  4. ^ http://www.gorgoroth.info/sorcery.htm
  5. ^ http://www.gorgoroth.info/pentagram.htm
  6. ^ http://gehenna666.cjb.net/
  7. ^ http://www.dissection.nu/pastshows.htm
  8. ^ http://www.primordialweb.com/prim_tour.htm
  9. ^ http://www.dissection.nu/pastshows.htm
  10. ^ MYSTIC CIRCLE Biography
  11. ^ http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=2&id=4865
  12. ^ a b Interview with Gaahl @ Tatareandesire
  13. ^ http://www.cradleoffilth.com/History.html
  14. ^ http://www.pushposters.co.uk/cgi/pcart/showitem.cgi?item=a14391
  15. ^ http://www.wacken.com/typo3temp/pics/e0b6ef8a8a.jpg
  16. ^ http://www.morbidangel.com/press.html
  17. ^ http://www.sweetslyrics.com/bio-Krisiun.html
  18. ^ http://www.gorgoroth.info/tribute.htm
  19. ^ http://www.withfullforce.de/english/
  20. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=5578
  21. ^ Norwegian black metal band shocks Poland - Aftenposten.no
  22. ^ Organizator koncertu Gorgoroth skazany! (in Polish)
  23. ^ BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH: 'Black Mass In Krakow' DVD May Get Released After All
  24. ^ Campion, Chris. "In the face of death", The Observer, Guardian Unlimited, 2005-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-10. 
  25. ^ {{cite web |url = http://gorgoroth.org/frameset.html))
  26. ^ a b GORGOROTH To Split Up?. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-21). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  27. ^ GORGOROTH Vocalist, Bassist Vow To Carry On Following Split With Guitarist. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-21). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  28. ^ a b GORGOROTH Frontman: 'We Will Raise The Flame Higher And Brighter Than Ever'. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-23). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  29. ^ GORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS: 'My Intention Is To Continue For Another 15 Years!'. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-24). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  30. ^ a b GORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS: 'I Promise For Satan That I Will Come Back'. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-31). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  31. ^ MAYHEM Drummer HELLHAMMER Joins GAAHL-Fronted Version Of GORGOROTH. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  32. ^ GORGOROTH Recruits Drummer NICK BARKER For European Tour. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-29). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  33. ^ Record Label Takes Guitarist's Side In GORGOROTH Name Dispute. Blabbermouth.net (2007-12-13). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  34. ^ a b GORGOROTH's GAAHL, KING Retain Ownership Of Band's Name And Logo. Blabbermouth.net (2007-12-19). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  35. ^ a b ORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS Says New Lineup Will Include Members Of OBITUARY, DISSECTION. Blabbermouth.net (2007-12-26). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  36. ^ GORGOROTH's INFERNUS Makes 'Non-Negotiable' Offer To Estranged Bandmates. Blabbermouth.net (2008-03-04). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  37. ^ a b GORGOROTH Guitarist Says He Will Commence 'Legal Proceedings' Against Estranged Bandmates. Blabbermouth.net (2008-03-11). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
  38. ^ http://www.regainrecords.com/regainrecords-NEW/viewItem.php?id=266
  39. ^ http://www.gorgoroth.info/menu.html
  40. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98125
  41. ^ Gorgoroth - Incipit Satan Lyrics - Incipit Satan - Lyrics On Demand
  42. ^ http://gorgoroth.org/releases/sorcery.html
  43. ^ http://www.metal1.info/interviews/interview-en.php?interview_id=147
  44. ^ New live album announced.
  45. ^ GORGOROTH Working On Live Album. Blabbermouth.net (2007-10-09).
  46. ^ Black Mass Release.
  47. ^ http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=31663073
  48. ^ DISCOGS.COM DVD information

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Gorgoroth
Gaahl · King ov Hell · Hellhammer
Infernus · Tomas Asklund · Frank Watkins
Frost · Pest · Hat · Tormentor · T-Reaper · Ares (Ronny Hovland) · Storm · Samoth · Kvitrafn · Sersjant · Vrolok · Grim · Goat Pervertor
Studio albums
Demos & EPs
Live Albums
Compilation Albums
Darkthrone, Holy Darkthrone · Feuersturm · Feuersturm Volume II - The Ultimate Storm · Death is Just The Beginning Vol. V · Death is Just The Beginning Vol. VI · Destroyer / Incipit Satan · Originators of the Northern Darkness - A Tribute to Mayhem · Unter Den Flugeln Von Satan