Svartidauði
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Kópavogur, Iceland |
| Defunct | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Kópavogur , Iceland |
| Products | Black metal music |
Svartidauði was a black metal group originating from Kópavogur, Iceland, active between 2002 and 2022. Their name translates to "Black Death" in Icelandic. Prior to their first full-length release, they issued three demos. In 2012, they launched their debut album Flesh Cathedral under Terratur Possessions, simultaneously releasing a split EP with the Chilean black metal band Perdition. The album Flesh Cathedral garnered favorable critiques from outlets including Metal-Fi, Lurker's Path, Metal Ireland, and LA Music Blog. Iceland Music Export highlighted the band's notoriety for delivering chaotic and powerful live shows within Iceland.
History
On 3 March 2014, Svartidauði revealed plans for their EP The Synthesis of Whore and Beast, which was officially released on 30 April 2014 via Terratur Possessions and Daemon Worship Productions. This EP was produced by Stephen Lockhart at Studio Emissary and made available in both CD format and 12-inch vinyl. Lords of Metal awarded the release a score of 95/100, commending its intense energy.
The band appeared on 5 March 2014 at the Kings of Black Metal Festival, sharing the stage with prominent groups such as Mayhem, Hate, and Behexen.
Beginning on 7 March 2014, Svartidauði led the European 'Untamed and Unchained 2014' tour alongside Mgła, A Thousand Lost Civilizations, and One Tail, One Head. This tour included stops in countries like Poland, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, among others. Additionally, they performed at Germany’s Speyer Grey Mass festival on 15 March alongside Ofermod, Archgoat, Pseudogod, and Funeral Winds.
On 23 March 2014, the band confirmed participation in Aurora Infernalis held in the Netherlands on 25 October 2014. Their lineup included Swedish acts Sapientia and Mortuus as well as Czech band Cult of Fire.
Guitarist Nökkvi Gylfgason exited the group on 6 September 2017. The subsequent day brought news of a forthcoming 7-inch EP accompanying their 'Continental Crucifixion' tour in 2017 with Bölzer, Archgoat, and Eggs of Gomorrh. On 15 September that year, Svartidauði entered the studio to record their sophomore album Revelations of the Red Sword, which was later released by Ván Records on 3 December 2018.
In December 2022, D.G. from Misþyrming confirmed that Svartidauði had ceased activity; drummer Magnús subsequently became a member of Misþyrming.
Albums
- Flesh Cathedral (2012, Terratur Possessions)
- Revelations of the Red Sword (2018, Ván Records)
EPs
- Perdition / Svartidauði Split (2012, World Terror Committee)
- The Synthesis of Whore and Beast (2014, Terratur Possessions/Daemon Worship Productions)
- Hideous Silhouettes of Lynched Gods (2016, Terratur Possessions)
- Untitled (2017, Ván Records)
Demos
- The Temple of Deformation (2006, self-released; reissued in 2010)
- Adorned With Fire (2009, self-released)
- Those Who Crawl and Slither Shall Again Inherit the Earth (2010, self-released)
Final lineup
- Magnús – Drums
- Þórir – Guitars
- Sturla Viðar – Bass and vocals
Touring musicians
- Gústaf "G.E." Evensen – Guitars (2017–2022)
Previous members
- Gunnar – Bass
- Egill Þór – Bass
- Birkir – Bass
- Hafþór – Drums
- Næturfrost – Guitars
- Nökkvi – Guitars (2002–2017)