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{{short description |Norwegian metal band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}}{{redirect|Black Death (band)|the 1970s American heavy metal band|Black Death (American band)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Darkthrone
| image             = Darkthrone crop.png
| caption           = Nocturno Culto and Fenriz in 2005
| landscape         = yes
| origin            = [[Kolbotn]], [[Akershus]], Norway
| genre             = {{flatlist|<!-- sourced in lead -->
* [[Black metal]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
* {{nowrap|[[doom metal]]}}
* {{nowrap|[[speed metal]]}}
* {{nowrap|[[death metal]] (early)}}
}}
| years_active      = 1986–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Peaceville Records|Peaceville]]
* [[Moonfog Productions|Moonfog]]
}}
| current_members   = * [[Fenriz]]
* [[Nocturno Culto]]
| past_members      = * [[Zephyrous]]
* Dag Nilsen
* Anders Risberget
| module            = 
}}
'''Darkthrone''' is a Norwegian [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[Kolbotn]], [[Akershus]]. Formed in 1986 as a [[death metal]] band named Black Death,<ref>Spermeth, Marc: ''Besessen von der Dunkelheit und dem Bösen''. In: ''Ablaze'', no. 5, May/June 1995, p. 10 {{in lang|de}}.</ref><ref>Metalion: [http://www.viceland.com/int/v15n5/htdocs/saga-true-black-metal.php ''THE SAGA OF TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL'']. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120102047/http://www.viceland.com/int/v15n5/htdocs/saga-true-black-metal.php |date=20 November 2008 }}.</ref> in the early 1990s, Darkthrone switched to a [[black metal]] style influenced by [[Bathory (band)|Bathory]]<ref name=metal-inside>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinside.de/interview/darkthrone-0 |title=Interview: 2009-01-13 Darkthrone |publisher=Metal Inside |first=Dennis |last=Otto |date=13 January 2009 |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310000946/https://www.metalinside.de/interview/darkthrone-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Celtic Frost]],<ref name=metal-inside /> and were one of the leading bands in the [[Early Norwegian black metal scene|Norwegian black metal scene]]. Darkthrone has been a duo consisting of [[Fenriz]] and [[Nocturno Culto]] since guitarist [[Ivar Enger|Zephyrous]] left the group in 1993. The band has released 22 studio albums, but do not perform live and have sought to remain outside the mainstream.

The band's debut, ''[[Soulside Journey]]'' (1991), was their only death metal studio album. Their first three black metal albums, ''[[A Blaze in the Northern Sky]]'' (1992), ''[[Under a Funeral Moon]]'' (1993), and ''[[Transilvanian Hunger]]'' (1994), are often called the "Unholy Trinity".<ref>{{cite web |first=Eduardo |last=Rivadavia |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/under-a-funeral-moon-mw0000453961 |title=Under a Funeral Moon – Darkthrone &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512215317/http://www.allmusic.com/album/under-a-funeral-moon-mw0000453961 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-4131_darkthrone_the_cult_is_alive.aspx |title=CoC : Darkthrone – The Cult Is Alive : Review |website=Chroniclesofchaos.com |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131032832/http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-4131_darkthrone_the_cult_is_alive.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> These albums are regarded as the peak of the band's career and among the most influential black metal recordings.

Beginning with ''[[The Cult Is Alive]]'' (2006), the band diverged from black metal and shifted to a style more akin to "blackened" [[crust punk]] and [[speed metal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Review: Darkthrone - The Cult Is Alive |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/37294/Darkthrone-The-Cult-Is-Alive/ |website=[[Sputnik Music]] |date=8 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dissecting Darkthrone: A Discography Breakdown |url=https://toiletovhell.com/dissecting-darkthrone-a-discography-breakdown/ |website=Toilet ov Hell |date=11 October 2016}}</ref> Since ''[[The Underground Resistance]]'' (2013), the band's music has incorporated more classic [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[Doom metal|doom]] and [[Thrash metal|thrash]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Darkthrone – Pre-Historic Metal |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2026/05/08/five-for-friday-may-8-2026/ |website=[[Decibel Magazine]] |date=8 May 2026 |quote=Since The Underground Resistance, the band’s work has blended all manner of classic heavy metal, doom, and bits of thrash — while still retaining the basic Darkthrone ingredients of Celtic Frost rhythms and early Bathory atmosphere.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Review: Darkthrone - It Beckons Us All |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/88510/Darkthrone-It-Beckons-Us-All/ |website=[[Sputnik Music]] |date=27 April 2024 |quote=Here's a brief reminder: aside from their first death metal album, the discography can be divided into a long black metal era, a crust-punk inspired era, and the current (shortly put) "old metal" era. ... Since the release of The Underground Resistance the influence of iconic heavy metal bands has left a mark in Darkthrone's style}}</ref> and their style has been described as "blackened heavy metal".<ref>{{cite web |title=Black metal legends Darkthrone prove they're more metal than ever with new album |url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/black-metal-legends-darkthrone-prove-they-are-more-metal-than-ever-in-new-album |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=9 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Album review: Darkthrone - It Beckons Us All |url=https://www.themetalpit.org/album-review-darkthrone/ |website=The Metal Pit |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref>

In 2016, the staff of ''[[Loudwire]]'' named them the 49th-best metal band of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Loudwire StaffLoudwire |date=2016-07-20 |title=Top 50 Metal Bands of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/top-metal-bands-of-all-time/ |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>  In recent years they collaborated with the [[National Library of Norway]] for exhibitions on Norwegian cultural history and black metal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2023 |title=Ted Skjellum om Darkthrone-metoden |url=https://www.nb.no/historier-fra-samlingen/ted-skjellum-om-darkthrone-metoden/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=Nasjonalbiblioteket |language=nb-NO |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530063321/https://www.nb.no/historier-fra-samlingen/ted-skjellum-om-darkthrone-metoden/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=A Blaze in the Northern Sky. Samtale med Ted Skjellum and Harald Fossberg |language=nb-NO |work=Nasjonalbiblioteket |url=https://www.nb.no/historier-fra-samlingen/a-blaze-in-the-northern-sky-ted-skjellum-and-harald-fossberg/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530082626/https://www.nb.no/historier-fra-samlingen/a-blaze-in-the-northern-sky-ted-skjellum-and-harald-fossberg/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History ==
=== Death metal years: 1986–1991 ===
The band that would eventually become Darkthrone formed in late 1986 in [[Kolbotn]], a small town south of [[Oslo]]. Originally known as Black Death, they were a [[death metal]] band composed of [[Fenriz|Gylve Nagell]], [[Ivar Enger]], and Anders Risberget. Their primary inspirations included [[Autopsy (band)|Autopsy]], [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Hellhammer]], [[Celtic Frost]], [[Slayer]], and [[Nocturnus]]. In late 1987, the band changed their name to Darkthrone and welcomed Dag Nilsen as a new member. [[Nocturno Culto|Ted Skjellum]] joined in the spring of 1988, replacing Risberget. During 1988 and 1989, the band independently released four demo tapes: ''Land of Frost'', ''A New Dimension'', ''Thulcandra'', and ''Cromlech''.

Subsequently, they signed a four-album contract with independent record label [[Peaceville Records]]. In 1990, they recorded their debut studio album, ''[[Soulside Journey]]''. Due to a limited budget, the band was unable to secure the studio they wanted. However, thanks to support from members of [[Nihilist (band)|Nihilist]] and [[Entombed (band)|Entombed]], they were able to record their album at Sunlight Studios. Although primarily a death metal record, it featured elements of black metal in terms of artwork and songwriting.

Following the release of this album, the band continued writing and recording new material, working on tape until a complete album was ready. These tracks were entirely instrumental, showcasing the band's gradual shift toward black metal. In 1996, the completed album ''[[Goatlord (album)|Goatlord]]'' was released, featuring vocals added by Fenriz.

=== Black metal years ===
==== Early black metal years: 1991–1994 ====
[[File:Darkthrone Logo.png|200px|right|thumb|The Darkthrone logo, as it has appeared on the band's releases since its first album, ''[[Soulside Journey]]''. It was designed by Tassilo Förg, Gylve "Fenriz" Nagell, and [[Tomas Lindberg]] of [[Grotesque (band)|Grotesque]]/[[At the Gates]].]]

In 1991, influenced by [[Euronymous]] of [[Mayhem (band)|Mayhem]], Darkthrone adopted the aesthetic that would come to symbolize the [[black metal]] scene, donning [[corpse paint]] and using [[pseudonym]]s. Gylve Nagell became "[[Fenriz]]", Ivar Enger became "[[Ivar Enger|Zephyrous]]", and Ted Skjefull adopted the name "[[Nocturno Culto]]”. In August 1991, they recorded their second album, released in early 1992 and titled ''[[A Blaze in the Northern Sky]]''. This album featured Darkthrone's first black metal recordings, although Peaceville Records was initially skeptical about releasing it due to the band's drastic shift from their original death metal style.<ref>{{cite web|title=Peaceville Artists|url=http://peaceville.com/artistbio.php?aid=11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725010237/http://peaceville.com/artistbio.php?aid=11|archive-date=25 July 2011|access-date=20 August 2007}}</ref> After the album was recorded, bassist Dag Nilsen left the band, stating that he did not wish to play black metal. He is credited only as "session bass" and does not appear in any photographs on the album.

The band's third album, ''[[Under a Funeral Moon]]'', was recorded in the summer of 1992 and released in early 1993. It marked Darkthrone's complete transition to black metal and is considered a landmark in the development of the genre. This album was the last collaboration with guitarist Zephyrous.

Following this, their fourth album, ''[[Transilvanian Hunger]]'', was released in February 1994. It was the first album to feature only two members, Nocturno Culto and Fenriz. Fenriz was credited with all instrumentation and songwriting, while Nocturno Culto contributed solely vocals. From this point forward, the band operated as a duo. ''Transilvanian Hunger'' was characterized by a raw, low-fidelity recording style, monotone riffing, and minimal melody. The album's release sparked some [[Transilvanian Hunger#Release and controversy|controversy]], as Norwegian black metal musician [[Varg Vikernes]] wrote half the lyrics and the booklet contained the phrase "Norsk Arisk Black Metal," which translates to "Norwegian Aryan Black Metal" in English.

==== With Moonfog Records: 1995–2004 ====
Darkthrone transitioned to another independent label, [[Moonfog Productions]], for their subsequent releases. It was run by [[Sigurd Wongraven|Satyr]] of [[Satyricon (band)|Satyricon]].

Their fifth album, ''[[Panzerfaust (album)|Panzerfaust]]'', was released in 1995. Its production resembled that of ''Transilvanian Hunger'', with Fenriz credited for all instrumentation and songwriting, while Nocturno Culto contributed solely vocals. Vikernes wrote the lyrics for "Quintessence". Their sixth album, ''[[Total Death]]'', was released in 1996 and is notable for featuring lyrics penned by four other black metal musicians, with none written by the band's primary lyricist, Fenriz.

During the years 1993–1995, Fenriz was involved in numerous side projects. This included his solo [[dark ambient]] project [[Neptune Towers]], his solo [[folk black metal]] project [[Isengard (band)|Isengard]], recording an album with Satyr as part of the trio [[Storm (Norwegian band)|Storm]], and playing bass on [[Dødheimsgard]]'s debut album. Additionally, he resumed playing drums for Valhall, which he co-founded in 1988 before leaving in 1990 to focus on Darkthrone.

On 6 April 1996, Easter Eve, Darkthrone played their last show at "A Night of Unholy Black Metal"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/a-night-of-unholy-black-metal|title=Apr 06, 1996: Darkthrone / Satyricon / Dissection at Rockefeller Oslo, Oslo, Norway &#124; Concert Archives|access-date=5 May 2023|archive-date=5 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505080801/https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/a-night-of-unholy-black-metal|url-status=live}}</ref> in a sold-out Rockefeller in Oslo.

In 1999, Darkthrone released the album ''[[Ravishing Grimness]]'', followed by ''[[Plaguewielder]]'' in 2001. While ''Transilvanian Hunger'' and ''Panzerfaust'' featured songs exclusively written by Fenriz, these two albums contained tracks predominantly composed by Nocturno Culto and were both recorded at Ronny Le Tekrøe's studio in Toten, Norway. This accounts for the somewhat "clearer" sound on those records.<ref>Smith, Brad. "Interview with Darkthrone".</ref>

In the latter part of the 1990s, two tribute albums dedicated to Darkthrone were released: ''[[Darkthrone Holy Darkthrone]]'' in 1998 and ''The Next Thousand Years Are Ours'' in 1999. The band also released ''Preparing for War'', a compilation featuring songs from 1988 to 1994. In 2002, the intro of their song "Kathaarian Life Code" was included in the final scene of the film ''[[Demonlover]]''.

In 2003, the band released the album ''[[Hate Them]]''. Although this record and the following one incorporate [[electronic music|electronic]] introductions, they remain faithful to Darkthrone's early black metal style. ''[[Sardonic Wrath]]'' was released in 2004, the band's last album with Moonfog Productions and their final work recorded exclusively in the black metal style. This album received a nomination for Norway's Alarm Awards, but the entry was withdrawn at the band's request. Their subsequent releases exhibited strong [[crust punk]] influences.

=== Punk-influenced years: 2005–2010 ===
In 2005, Darkthrone announced their return to Peaceville Records after departing from the label in 1994. They also launched their own record label, Tyrant Syndicate Productions, to release their future albums. To commemorate their return, Peaceville reissued the ''Preparing for War'' compilation, which included a bonus CD of demos and a DVD of live performances. Additionally, Darkthrone's first four albums were re-released with video interviews about each.

In January 2006, the group released the [[Extended play|EP]] ''Too Old, Too Cold'', featuring the track "High on Cold War," performed by [[Enslaved (band)|Enslaved]]'s vocalist [[Grutle Kjellson]]. The EP also included a cover of "[[Mittageisen|Love in a Void]]" by [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]].<ref>{{cite news |author = Stosuy, Brandon |url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/2634-too-old-too-cold-ep/ |title = Darkthrone: Too Old, Too Cold EP |date = 31 January 2006 |publisher = Pitchfork |access-date = 8 April 2015 |archive-date = 15 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150415034144/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/2634-too-old-too-cold-ep/ |url-status = live }}</ref> For the first time in their career, the band produced a music video for the EP's title track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://peaceville.com/bands/2194/|title=Darkthrone biography in 2012|publisher=peaceville.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106071315/https://peaceville.com/bands/2194/|access-date=6 January 2012|archive-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> ''Too Old, Too Cold'' marked Darkthrone's first record to chart, reaching the top 15 of the best-selling singles in Norway and Denmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darkthrone&titel=The+Underground+Resistance&cat=a|title=Darkthrone Norwegian Charts|publisher=norwegiancharts.com|access-date=8 April 2015|archive-date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721111414/http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darkthrone&titel=The%20Underground%20Resistance&cat=a|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://danishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darkthrone&titel=Too+Old%2C+Too+Cold&cat=s |title = Darkthrone – Too Old, Too Cold (Song) |publisher = Danishcharts |access-date = 8 April 2015 |archive-date = 27 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150427084336/http://danishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Darkthrone&titel=Too+Old%2C+Too+Cold&cat=s |url-status = dead }}</ref> That same year, Darkthrone released their eleventh album, ''[[The Cult Is Alive]]''. This album marked a stylistic shift, incorporating [[crust punk]] elements. While Darkthrone's black metal roots remained evident, their departure from the genre's typical sound was increasingly pronounced. ''The Cult Is Alive'' was the first Darkthrone album to enter the album chart in Norway, debuting at number 22.<ref>{{cite news|title=Darkthrone in the Charts! |publisher=Rockdetector |date=11 February 2006 |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/news/artist,2200.sm;jsessionid=E981ED8E27BB6A13885C5CC199CE6E3A?id=2300 |access-date=20 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930193616/http://www.rockdetector.com/news/artist%2C2200.sm%3Bjsessionid%3DE981ED8E27BB6A13885C5CC199CE6E3A?id=2300 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 2007, the band released the EP ''NWOBHM'' (an acronym for 'New Wave of Black Heavy Metal', a play on the original '[[New Wave of British Heavy Metal]]') as a preview of their next album. In September of that year, Darkthrone released ''[[F.O.A.D.]]'' (an acronym for ''Fuck Off and Die''). This phrase was frequently employed by numerous thrash metal and punk bands during the 1980s. While the music continued the [[punk rock|punk]]-oriented style introduced on ''The Cult Is Alive'', the band placed greater emphasis on [[traditional heavy metal]].

Also in 2007, [[Nocturno Culto]] completed and released ''The Misanthrope'', a film exploring black metal and life in Norway. The film included some of his own solo recordings. In October 2008, ''[[Dark Thrones and Black Flags]]'' was released, following a style similar to that of the previous album. In 2010, the band released ''[[Circle the Wagons (album)|Circle the Wagons]]'', which showcased significantly fewer crust punk elements in favor of strong [[speed metal]] and traditional heavy metal characteristics.

=== 2010–present ===
In late 2010, Peaceville acquired the rights to the band's Moonfog albums and reissued ''[[Panzerfaust (album)|Panzerfaust]]'' as a two-disc set and on vinyl. The reissue of ''[[Total Death]]'' was scheduled for 14 March 2011. In July 2012, Darkthrone announced a new album titled ''[[The Underground Resistance]]'', which was released on 25 February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.peaceville.com/darkthrone/theundergroundresistance/ |title=Darkthrone – the Underground Resistance |access-date=6 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816105227/http://www.peaceville.com/darkthrone/theundergroundresistance/ |archive-date=16 August 2015 }}</ref> This album marked a complete departure from black metal and blackened crust, returning to classic heavy metal and speed metal. The band released their 16th studio album, ''[[Arctic Thunder (album)|Arctic Thunder]]'', on 14 October 2016. This album represented another musical shift, featuring a rawer, more blackened sound reminiscent of their 1990s output, but with the classic metal influences of the previous record.<ref name=ArcticThunder1>{{cite news|title=DARKTHRONE To Release 'Arctic Thunder' Album In October|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/darkthrone-to-release-arctic-thunder-album-in-october/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=9 August 2016|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810164255/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/darkthrone-to-release-arctic-thunder-album-in-october/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ArcticThunder2>{{cite web|title=Darkthrone announce 2016 album Arctic Thunder|url=http://www.peaceville.com/darkthrone-announce-2016-album-arctic-thunder/|publisher=Peaceville Records|date=9 August 2016|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212221437/https://peaceville.com/bands/darkthrone/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 October 2016, the band announced via Facebook that they would release a compilation album entitled ''The Wind of 666 Black Hearts''. Released on 25 November 2016, the album comprised rehearsals recorded in 1991 and 1992 for songs that later appeared on ''A Blaze in the Northern Sky'' and ''Under a Funeral Moon''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1283020271739902&id=101075189934422|title=Darkthrone|website=Facebook.com|access-date=7 September 2020}}</ref>

In March 2019, Darkthrone announced the release of their seventeenth studio album, ''[[Old Star]]'', which came out on 31 May of the same year. The album featured a stronger emphasis on [[doom metal]] than previous releases, with their [[Candlemass (band)|Candlemass]] influences becoming more apparent. In January 2021, the band announced they had completed the recording of a new album.<ref>{{cite web |title=DARKTHRONE Completes Recording A New Album |url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/darkthrone-completes-recording-a-new-album |website=metalinjection.net |date=11 January 2021 |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111175632/https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/darkthrone-completes-recording-a-new-album |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2021, a box set containing early and rare material titled ''Shadows of Iconoclasm'' was unveiled.<ref>{{cite web |title=DARKTHRONE- 'Shadows of Iconoclasm' |url=https://peaceville.com/darkthrone-shadows-of-iconoclasm/ |website=peaceville.com |date=27 January 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202230150/https://peaceville.com/darkthrone-shadows-of-iconoclasm/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band's eighteenth studio album, ''Eternal Hails......'', was released on 25 June 2021, through Peaceville Records on physical media and digital platforms. The album continued the band's incorporation of traditional doom metal, heavily influenced by Candlemass, alongside inspiration from other bands such as [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]] and [[Black Sabbath]].<ref>{{cite web |title=DARKTHRONE'S FENRIZ PICKS 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL DOOM-METAL ALBUMS|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/darkthrones-fenriz-picks-5-most-influential-doom-metal-albums|website=revolvermag.com|date=10 June 2021|access-date=28 June 2021|archive-date=31 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231132130/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/darkthrones-fenriz-picks-5-most-influential-doom-metal-albums|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fenriz – Darkthrone 'Mahemic Destruction and Chaos Prevails on Eternal Hails' |url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/06/26/fenriz-darkthrone-interview-2021/ |website=wallofsoundau.com |date=26 June 2021 |access-date=28 June 2021 |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231132130/https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/06/26/fenriz-darkthrone-interview-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band's nineteenth album, ''Astral Fortress'', was released on 28 October 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Astral Fortress |url=https://peaceville.bandcamp.com/album/astral-fortress |website=Peaceville |access-date=9 January 2023 |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109095514/https://peaceville.bandcamp.com/album/astral-fortress |url-status=live }}</ref> The band's twentieth album, ''It Beckons Us All.......'', was released on 26 April 2024. It was recorded in April and May 2023 at Chaka Khan Studio in Oslo.<ref name="itbeckonsusall">{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/darkthrone-announces-new-album-it-beckons-us-all | title=DARKTHRONE Announces New Album 'It Beckons Us All' | access-date=12 July 2025 | archive-date=14 March 2024 | date=14 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314132428/https://blabbermouth.net/news/darkthrone-announces-new-album-it-beckons-us-all | url-status=live |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] }}</ref> In March 2026, it was announced that band's next album ''Pre-Historic Metal'', would be released on 8 May 2026.<ref name="Pre-Historic">{{cite web|author=Greg Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/new-music/darkthrone-stays-grim-on-pre-historic-metal-new-album-due-out-in-may|title=DARKTHRONE Stays Grim On "Pre-Historic Metal", New Album Due Out In May|publisher=[[Metal Injection]]|access-date=March 20, 2026|date=March 20, 2026}}</ref>

== Band members ==

=== Current ===
* [[Fenriz]] (Gylve Fenris Nagell) – drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals (1986–present)
* [[Nocturno Culto]] (Ted Skjellum) – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards (1988–present)

=== Former ===
* [[Zephyrous]] (Ivar Enger) – bass (1986 - 1988), guitars (1988–1993)
* Anders Risberget – guitars (1986–1988)
* Dag Nilsen – bass (1988–1991)

=== Timeline ===
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 bar:Nocturno from:01/07/1988 till:01/03/1993 color:guitar
 bar:Nocturno from:02/03/1993 till:15/10/1993 color:bass
 bar:Nocturno from:01/10/1995 till:end color:guitar
 bar:Nocturno from:08/10/1995 till:end color:bass width:7
 bar:Nocturno from:01/07/1988 till:15/10/1993 color:vocals width:3
 bar:Nocturno from:16/10/1993 till:30/09/1995 color:vocals
 bar:Nocturno from:01/10/1995 till:end color:vocals width:3
 bar:Zephyrous from:start till:01/10/1987 color:bass
 bar:Zephyrous from:02/10/1987 till:07/10/1993 color:guitar
 bar:Dag       from:01/10/1987 till:01/10/1991 color:bass
 bar:Dag       from:02/10/1991 till:01/04/1992 color:bass width:3
 bar:Anders    from:01/10/1986 till:01/05/1988 color:guitar

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 layer:back
 color:Studio
 at:13/01/1991
 at:26/02/1992
 at:24/06/1993
 at:17/02/1994
 at:06/06/1995
 at:15/01/1996
 at:29/09/1999
 at:10/09/2001
 at:10/03/2003
 at:06/09/2004
 at:27/02/2006
 at:25/08/2007
 at:20/10/2008
 at:05/04/2010
 at:25/02/2013
 at:14/10/2016
 at:31/05/2019
 at:25/06/2021
 at:28/10/2022
 at:26/04/2024
 at:08/05/2026
}}

== Discography ==
=== Studio albums ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title
! scope="col" colspan="8" style="text-align:center;" | Peak positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[VG-lista|NOR]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Sverigetopplistan|SWE]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Official Finnish Charts|FIN]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Darkthrone&do_search=do|title=Discographie von Darkthrone|website=offiziellecharts.de|language=de|access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Swiss Hitparade|SWI]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Ultratop|BEL<br />(WA)]]
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart|UK<br />Rock]]<br /><ref name="UK Charts">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31235/darkthrone/|title=Darkthrone|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 May 2026}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[UK Independent Albums Chart|UK<br />Ind.]]<br /><ref name="UK Charts" />
|-
| 1991 || ''[[Soulside Journey]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || The band's only [[death metal]] studio album.
|-
| 1992 || ''[[A Blaze in the Northern Sky]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   || || || || Recorded in August 1991<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vinylrecords.ch/D/DA/Darkthrone/Blaze/darkthrone-blaze-0133.jpg |format=JPG |title=Darkthrone – ''A Blaze in the Northern Sky'' CD cover |website=Vinylrecords.ch |access-date=6 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711133422/http://vinylrecords.ch/D/DA/Darkthrone/Blaze/darkthrone-blaze-0133.jpg |archive-date=11 July 2012 }}</ref> and released in February 1992. <br />Final release with bassist [[Dag Nilsen]]. <br /> Since 2020, the album has been on permanent display in the [[National Library of Norway]].<ref>{{cite web|date=23 November 2020|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2020/11/23/darkthrones-a-blaze-in-the-northern-sky-honored-by-the-national-library-of-norway/|title=Darkthrone's 'A Blaze in the Northern Sky' Honored By the National Library of Norway|publisher=[[Decibel Magazine]]|access-date=12 January 2023|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112213504/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2020/11/23/darkthrones-a-blaze-in-the-northern-sky-honored-by-the-national-library-of-norway/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Under a Funeral Moon]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || Recorded in June 1992 and released in June 1993. <br />Final release with guitarist [[Ivar Enger]].
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Transilvanian Hunger]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || Recorded in November–December 1993, with vocals added early in 1994. Released in February 1994.<br /> Featured four songs with lyrics written by [[Varg Vikernes]].
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Panzerfaust (album)|Panzerfaust]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || Recorded in February–April 1994 and released in June 1995.<br /> Featured one song with lyrics written by Varg Vikernes.
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Total Death]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || Featured lyrics written by four guests from other black metal bands.
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Goatlord (album)|Goatlord]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || || Instrumental rehearsal demo; recorded in late 1990 and early 1991, released on CD as an album by [[Moonfog Productions]] in 1996, including vocals overdubbed by Fenriz in 1994.
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Ravishing Grimness]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Plaguewielder]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Hate Them]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Sardonic Wrath]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2006 || ''[[The Cult Is Alive]]'' || 22 || 59    ||   ||   ||  || || || || Represented a shift in their style with traits of crust punk.
|-
| 2007 || ''[[F.O.A.D.]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Dark Thrones and Black Flags]]'' ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||  || || ||
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Circle the Wagons (album)|Circle the Wagons]]'' || 23  ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   || || 43 ||
|-
| 2013 || ''[[The Underground Resistance]]'' || 23 || 50 || 35 || || || || 14 || 29 ||
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Arctic Thunder (album)|Arctic Thunder]]''<ref name=ArcticThunder1 /><ref name=ArcticThunder2 /> || || || 40 || 56 || || || 9 || 22 ||
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Old Star]]'' ||   ||   ||   || 27 ||   ||  || 2 || 10 || Represented a shift in style, with a fusion of [[traditional doom metal]] and the 'blackened heavy metal' sound the band cultivated throughout the mid-late 2010s.
|-
| 2021 || ''Eternal Hails......''
|| 31<ref>{{cite web|url=https://topplista.no/charts/albums/2021-w26/|title=Album 2021 uke 26|publisher=[[VG-lista]]|access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref>
||
|| 9<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2021/27/|title=Albumit 27/2021|publisher=[[Musiikkituottajat]]|access-date=11 July 2021|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711112841/https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2021/27/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|| 5 ||   || 160<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/7553d/Darkthrone-Eternal-Hails|title=Darkthrone – Eternal Hails|publisher=[[Ultratop]]|access-date=4 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183108/https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/7553d/Darkthrone-Eternal-Hails|url-status=live}}</ref><br /> || 6 || 11 ||
|-
| 2022 || ''Astral Fortress''
||
|| 56<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/54?dspy=2022&dspp=44|title=Veckolista Album, vecka 44|publisher=[[Sverigetopplistan]]|access-date=4 November 2022|archive-date=4 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104123830/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/54?dspy=2022&dspp=44|url-status=live}}</ref>
|| 21<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2022/44/|title=Albumit 44/2022|publisher=[[Musiikkituottajat]]|language=fi|access-date=6 November 2022|archive-date=6 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106121422/https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2022/44/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|| 23
|| 51<ref name="ultratop.be">[https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/7bed6/Darkthrone-Astral-Fortress Darkthrone – Astral Fortress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107105723/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/7bed6/Darkthrone-Astral-Fortress |date=7 November 2022 }}.</ref>
|| || 6 || 15 ||
|-
| 2024 || ''It Beckons Us All......'' || || || 47<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2024/18/|title=Albumit 18/2024|publisher=[[Musiikkituottajat]]|access-date=4 May 2024|archive-date=3 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503141732/https://ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2024/18/|url-status=live}}</ref> || 17 || || || 4 || 10 ||
|-
| 2026 || ''Pre-Historic Metal'' || || || 44<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/albumit/2026/20/|title=Albumit 20/2026|publisher=[[Musiikkituottajat]]|language=fi|access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> || 27 || || || 6 || 16 ||
|}

=== Demos ===
* 1988: ''Land of Frost''
* 1988: ''A New Dimension'' – rehearsal demo
* 1989: ''Thulcandra''
* 1989: ''Cromlech'' – live demo

=== EPs and singles ===
* 2005: ''Under Beskyttelse av Mørke'' <small>''(Under Cover of Darkness)''</small> – outtakes from the ''Under a Funeral Moon'' rehearsal sessions; released only in Japan
* 2006: ''Too Old, Too Cold'' – outtakes from ''The Cult Is Alive'' recording sessions
* 2006: ''Forebyggende Krig'' – single
* 2007: ''NWOBHM'' – outtakes from the ''F.O.A.D.'' recording sessions
* 2013: ''Leave No Cross Unturned (Edit)'' – single
* 2017: ''Burial Bliss / Visual Aggression'' – single
* 2019: ''The Hardship of the Scots'' – single
* 2021: ''Hate Cloak'' – single
* 2026: ''Pre-Historic Metal'' - single

=== Compilations and tribute albums ===
* 1998: ''[[Darkthrone Holy Darkthrone]]'' – tribute album featuring eight Norwegian bands
* 1999: ''The Next Thousand Years Are Ours'' – tribute album featuring fourteen bands and a multimedia disc
* 2000: ''Preparing for War'' – compilation of songs from 1988 to 1994; re-released in 2005 with a bonus CD of demos and a DVD
* 2008: ''[[Frostland Tapes]]'' – compilation containing the band's early demos (''Land of Frost'', ''A New Dimension'', ''Thulcandra'', ''Cromlech''), the original instrumental version of ''[[Goatlord (album)|Goatlord]]'', and a recording of a concert in Denmark
* 2011: ''Sempiternal Past – The Darkthrone Demos'' – remastered versions of Darkthrone's demos (including bonus tracks)
* 2013: ''Introducing Darkthrone'' – eighteen-song album containing Darkthrone songs from past albums and singles
* 2013: ''Peaceville Presents... Darkthrone''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/peaceville-presents...-darkthrone/id636998184 |title=Peaceville Presents... Darkthrone by Darkthrone on iTunes |website=[[iTunes]] |date=7 May 2013 |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=23 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423181208/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/peaceville-presents...-darkthrone/id636998184 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 2014: ''Black Death and Beyond'' – compilation released as a vinyl box set and book
* 2016: ''The Wind of 666 Black Hearts'' – compilation of demos from 1991 and 1992
* 2021: ''Shadows of Iconoclasm'' – compilation box set of early material

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=darkthrone-mn0000678769|pure_url=yes}} Darkthrone] on [[AllMusic]]
* [http://peaceville.com/bands/darkthrone-2/ Darkthrone biography] on [[Peaceville Records]]
* [https://www.discogs.com/artist/252211-Darkthrone Darkthrone] on [[Discogs]]

{{Darkthrone}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Norwegian death metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian black metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Norwegian punk rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1986]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1988]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in Norway]]
[[Category:Norwegian musical duos]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Akershus]]
[[Category:Crust and d-beat groups]]
[[Category:Heavy metal duos]]
[[Category:Extreme metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Speed metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Peaceville Records artists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Kolbotn]]
[[Category:English-language Norwegian musical groups]]