Trail of Tears (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Terje Heiseldal, Kjell Rune Hagen, Jonathan A Perez, Michael Krumins, Ronny Thorsen |
| Defunct | 2013 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2020 |
| Headquarters | Kristiansand , Norway |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Number of employees | 6 (current members) |
Trail of Tears is a Norwegian band blending gothic and symphonic black metal styles, established in 1997. Their signature sound features a mix of soprano and death grunt vocal techniques, except for the 2005 release Free Fall into Fear, which emphasized more tenor and growl vocals with reduced soprano contributions. After disbanding in 2013, lead vocalist Ronny Thorsen initiated the project Viper Solfa. The group reunited in 2020, incorporating both returning members and new additions, including former Sirenia singer Ailyn.
Origins and Disclosure in Red (1994–2000)
The band initially formed under the name Natt in 1994, founded by Terje Heiseldal, Kjell Rune Hagen, Jonathan A Perez, Michael Krumins, and Ronny Thorsen. They released a self-titled demo before changing their name to Trail of Tears in 1997 to better represent their musical direction. Their demo When Silence Cries... secured a two-album contract with Dutch label DSFA Records. That same year, they launched their debut album, Disclosure in Red, followed by tours across Europe alongside Tristania and The Sins of Thy Beloved. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Michael Krumins was succeeded by Runar Hansen.
Profoundemonium, A New Dimension of Might, and Free Fall into Fear (2000–2004)
The group's sophomore album, Profoundemonium (2000), marked the departure of female vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen, who was replaced by Cathrine Paulsen. After extensive touring throughout Europe, Trail of Tears secured a three-album agreement with Napalm Records in 2001. Their third studio effort, A New Dimension of Might (2002), was produced by Terje Refsnes, renowned for his work with bands such as Tristania, Sirenia, and Green Carnation.
In 2003, the band played its first international show in Mexico. Following Cathrine Paulsen's departure, male vocalist Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation) joined the lineup, steering the band's sound toward a heavier approach on the 2004 album Free Fall into Fear. The album's release was supported by a tour featuring performances with Tristania and Therion.
Existentia and personnel shifts (2004–2007)
Prior to recording their fifth album, longtime members Terje Heiseldal and Frank Roald Hagen exited the group. Gøran Bomann from Carpathian Forest contributed as a session live guitarist during this period. The album was recorded as a quintet with Runar Hansen handling all guitar parts and Bernt Moen appearing as a guest keyboardist.
In November 2006, Kjetil Nordhus, Runar Hansen, Kjell Rune Hagen, and Jonathan Perez left the band citing organizational issues that resulted in financial difficulties. They announced the band's dissolution via Trail of Tears' official website. However, Ronny Thorsen responded that Trail of Tears would persist without them. Their exit occurred just before the scheduled Existentia tour, which was ultimately canceled.
On 1 February 2007, former vocalist Cathrine Paulsen returned to the band. Trail of Tears confirmed their participation at the 2007 Sweden Rock Festival, followed by a North American headlining tour alongside Echoes of Eternity and Unexpect.
Bloodstained Endurance (2008–2009)
On 3 November 2008, Trail of Tears commenced recording their sixth studio album at Soundsuite Studio located in Marseille, France, collaborating with producer Terje Refsnes. The album, named Bloodstained Endurance, comprises 11 tracks, with a limited edition edition offering an additional four or five bonus songs. Its official release took place on 27 May 2009.
Oscillation, departure of guitarist and drummer (2010–2012)
In July 2010, guitarist Pål Olsen exited the band to concentrate on his project Guardians of Time. Despite this change, Trail of Tears continued as a five-member group without disruption to their live performances or studio work.
January 2012 saw the departure of longtime drummer Cato Jensen, who was succeeded by Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow.
On 11 November 2012, the band revealed the cover artwork for their seventh album Oscillation, created by Jan Yrlund. Prior to its release on 26 April 2013, Trail of Tears secured a contract with Massacre Records.
Disbandment (2013)
In January 2013, Ronny Thorsen, Endre Moe, and Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow left Trail of Tears. Thorsen, who had been the only consistent member since the band's inception, departed despite his long-standing involvement. The remaining lineup, initially including Cathrine Paulsen and Bjørn Erik Næss, dissolved amid internal conflicts. Thorsen noted that Massacre Records backed him, Moe, and Rønnow, confirming that Oscillation would serve as Trail of Tears’ final album. Later that year, Thorsen, Moe, Rønnow, Miriam Renvåg "Sphinx," and Krister Dreyer "Morfeus" established the band Viper Solfa.
Reunion and Winds of Disdain EP (2020–present)
In October 2020, Trail of Tears announced their comeback featuring new lead guitarist Nicolay "Jørni" Johnsen and former Sirenia vocalist Ailyn, with plans for new releases alongside anniversary concerts showcasing complete performances of earlier albums.
On 10 January 2024, the group disclosed intentions to launch the EP Winds of Disdain on 24 May through The Circle Music.
Members
- Ronny Thorsen − vocals (1997–2013, 2020–present)
- Runar Hansen − guitar (lead: 1997–2007; rhythm: 2020–present)
- Jonathan Alejandro Pérez − drums (1997–2007, 2020–present)
- Endre Moe − bass (2007–2013, 2020–present)
- Ailyn – clean vocals (2020–present)
- Nicolay "Jørni" Johnsen – lead guitar (2020–present)
Past members
- Kjell Rune Hagen − bass (1997–2007)
- Terje Heiseldal − rhythm guitar (1997–2005)
- Frank Roald Hagen − keyboards (1997–2006)
- Helena Iren Michaelsen − clean vocals (1997–2000)
- Cathrine Paulsen − clean vocals (2000–2003, 2007–2013)
- Kjetil Nordhus − clean vocals (2004–2007)
- Bjørn Erik Næss − lead guitar (2007–2013)
- Cato Jensen − drums (2007–2012)
- Pål Olsen − rhythm guitar (2007–2010)
- Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow − drums (2012–2013)
Studio albums
- Disclosure in Red (1998)
- Profoundemonium (2000)
- A New Dimension of Might (2002)
- Free Fall Into Fear (2005)
- Existentia (2007)
- Bloodstained Endurance (2009)
- Oscillation (2013)
EPs
- Winds of Disdain (2024)
Under the name Natt
- Natt (1996)
Under the name Trail of Tears
- When Silence Cries... (1997)
External links
- Articles with short description
- Norwegian gothic metal bands
- Norwegian symphonic black metal bands
- Musical groups formed in 1997
- 1997 establishments in Norway
- Musical acts from Kristiansand
- Napalm Records artists
- Massacre Records artists
- Musical groups disbanded in 2013
- Musical groups reunited in 2020
- Musical groups disestablished in 2013