Urgehal

Urgehal

Company type	Black metal band
Industry	Music
Founded	1992 in Hønefoss, Norway
Founder	Trond Bråthen (Trondr Nefas), Enzifer
Defunct	2016
Fate	Disbanded in 2016, reunited in 2022
Headquarters	Hønefoss , Norway
Products	Music albums, EPs, demos
Website	myspace.com/urgehal

Urgehal () is a black metal group originating from Norway, established in Hønefoss in 1992 by lead guitarist and vocalist Trond Bråthen (known as 'Trondr Nefas') alongside rhythm guitarist 'Enzifer'. Prior to disbanding in 2016, their discography included seven studio albums, four EPs, and two demo recordings. The band reunited in 2022 as a tribute to their late members.

History

The inception of Urgehal took place in 1992 through the collaboration of Trondr Nefas and Enzifer. Following the release of two demos in 1994 and 1995, they secured a deal with the German label No Colours in 1996, issuing their first full-length record Arma Christi that same year. Their sophomore album, Massive Terrestrial Strike, was released in 1997. Subsequently, they transitioned to Flesh For Beast label, under which they produced Atomkinder (2001) and Through Thick Fog 'till Death (2003). After Flesh For Beast ceased operations, their fifth album Goatcraft Torment came out in 2006 via Agonia Records. That year also marked the release of The Eternal Eclipse, a compilation celebrating the band's 15-year milestone, featuring rare tracks and a photographic booklet documenting their journey. In 2007, Urgehal entered into a contract with Season of Mist. Although most of the material for their next album was composed during that period, recording was postponed due to internal complications; eventually, Ikonoklast was launched in early 2009.

In May 2012, guitarist and vocalist Trondr Nefas passed away unexpectedly at the age of 34. The band confirmed that he "died a peaceful and natural death" while in one of his cherished forest locations. Beyond Urgehal, Nefas contributed to several other black metal acts such as Beastcraft, Angst Skvadron, Vulture Lord, and Bloodsworn.

Style and sound

Urgehal’s musical style draws heavily from the early Norwegian black metal movement of the early 1990s, with Norwegian pioneers Darkthrone acknowledged as a significant influence. Their sound also incorporates elements from traditional heavy metal, thrash, speed metal, death metal, and extreme metal scenes from South America. On stage, the group embraces classic black metal visual motifs including spiked wristbands, inverted crosses, corpse paint, and Enzifer’s distinctive spiked facial mask representing his inner darkness. They describe themselves as a "Satanic" band, employing Satan symbolically to reflect humanity’s inherent evil. The term "Urgehal" is derived from an ancient Norse mythological idea referring to an endless dark forest inhabited by malevolent forces.

Studio albums

• Arma Christi (1997)
• Massive Terrestrial Strike (1998)
• Atomkinder (2001)
• Through Thick Fog Till Death (2003)
• Goatcraft Torment (2006)
• Ikonoklast (2009)
• Aeons in Sodom (2016)

EPs

• Demonrape (2005)
• Satanisk Norsk Black Metal (2007) – split release with Beastcraft
• Death Is Complete (2011)
• Maatte Blodet Flomme (2012) – split with Sarkom

Compilations and tribute albums

• A Norwegian Hail To VON (2005) – tribute split featuring VON, alongside Norwegian Evil, Amok, and Taake
• The Eternal Eclipse: 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal (2007) – commemorative album marking the anniversary

Demos

• Ferd (1994)
• Rise of the Monument (1995)

Current lineup

• Enzifer – guitar (1992–2016, 2022–present), drums (1992–1997), keyboards (1995–2016), bass (2016)
• Mannevond – bass (2007–2012, 2022–present)
• Uruz – drums (1998–2008, 2011–2016, 2022–present)

Past members

• Nefas – vocals and guitar (1992–2012; deceased 2012), drums (1995, 2010), bass (2008)
• Chiron – bass guitar (1992–1997; deceased 2019)
• Aradia – keyboards (1992–1995)
• Shregoth (Tomas Torgersbråten) – bass (2003–2006)
• Renton (Eirik Renton) – drums (2008–2010)

External links

• Urgehal on Myspace