Thorns — Thorns

Cultband Thorns has been a big inspiration to many of the first generation of Norwegian black metal bands. Riffs from the demo and rehearsaltape that were circulating in the scene were used by Emperor and Mayhem. Mainmen Snorre Ruch and Bård 'Faust' Eithun had to do some time in jail so there hasn't been a chance to pick the fruits of that fame.

Ruch had been the chauffeur for a certain Varg Vikerness who went to Oslo to snuff the life out of Mayhem guitarist Øystein 'Euronymous' Aarseth. In jail he met Samoth, guitarist of Emperor and after Ruch was released from jail Emperor and the revived Thorns made the duo album Thorns vs. Emperor. Thorns then was, and still is, a one-man band although on this record there are some guest musicians. Vocals are done by Satyr (Satyricon) and Aldrahn (DHG) and the drums are played by, ironically, Mayhem-drumgod Hellhammer (also in Arcturus, Winds and formerly of The Kovenant to name a few). Ruch a.k.a. S.W.Krupp plays the other instruments.The current musical style is pretty much oldschool black metal with electronic enhancements. These sounds are mostly used for atmosphere and definitely not for smooth symphonic arrangements or techno-like grooves. The riffing still is special: after a lengthy ambient intro the track Underneath The Universe hits hard: now that's a mean motherfucker of a riff! The material is not very technical but the power and atmosphere make the album a very dark trip.

It's a grim record with the old feeling without being old-fashioned. Furthermore I'd like to compliment the designers of Moonfog for the excellent graphic design!