Immortal, the Norwegian black metal institution, continues its reign of sonic frost. While 2023 saw a shift in the band’s lineup, their commitment to unleashing icy riffs and tales from the mythical realm of Blashyrkh remains unwavering. Here’s a look at what’s keeping the fires of Immortal burning:
War Against All: A Frigid Onslaught of New Music
The most significant news for Immortal fans arrived in October 2022. The band announced their tenth studio album, “War Against All,” scheduled for release in May 2023. This marked their first full-length offering since “Northern Chaos Crowns” in 2009.
“War Against All” delivered exactly what fans craved: a blistering homage to Immortal’s classic sound. Demonaz Doom Occulta (real name Harald Nævdal), the band’s founder and sole remaining original member, unleashed a torrent of ferocious riffs and frostbitten screams. Tracks like “War God” and “Blacker Than Winter” echoed the glory days of albums like “At the Heart of Winter” and “Pure Holocaust,” while showcasing a rawness and intensity that felt fresh and potent.
A New Chapter with Tormentor: Demonaz Reforges the Bands Legacy
The release of “War Against All” coincided with another major development: a change in Immortal’s lineup. Demonaz parted ways with longtime drummer Horgh (real name Øyvind Hægeland). Taking his place behind the kit was Tormentor (real name Jan Axel Blomberg), a seasoned black metal veteran with experience in bands like Gorgoroth and Sarke.
This shift signaled Demonaz’s intention to push forward with Immortal’s legacy. Tormentor’s aggressive drumming style complemented Demonaz’s icy riffs perfectly, injecting a new level of energy and brutality into the band’s sound.
Immortal Live: Unleashing the Frigid Fury
Despite the lineup change, Immortal hasn’t shied away from live performances. Throughout 2023, they embarked on a European tour dubbed the “Black Metal Winter” tour. This tour saw them unleashing the icy fury of “War Against All” alongside classics from their extensive discography. Fans reported electrifying shows, with Demonaz’s relentless stage presence and Tormentor’s thunderous drumming creating a truly immersive experience.
Immortal vs Abbath: A Legal Battle Over a Name
The story of Immortal in recent years has been intertwined with a legal battle with Demonaz’s former bandmate Abbath Doom Occulta (real name Olve Eikemo). Abbath, the band’s vocalist and bassist during their most commercially successful period, has his own solo project under the name Immortal.
The legal dispute centered on the rights to the Immortal name. In 2020, a Norwegian court ruled in Horgh’s favor, meaning Demonaz no longer had exclusive rights to the name. However, the case was appealed, with no final resolution yet announced. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Demonaz continues to operate under the Immortal banner, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the band’s legacy.
A Legacy of Blashyrkh Black Metal: Immortal’s Enduring Influence
Immortal’s impact on black metal is undeniable. Their albums like “Battles in the North” and “Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism” established the “Blashyrkh sound,” characterized by fast tempos, icy riffs, and Demonaz’s signature raspy vocals.
This sound influenced countless black metal bands, helping to define the genre in the early 1990s. Their legacy continues to inspire contemporary acts, ensuring that the icy winds of Blashyrkh will keep blowing through the metal scene for generations to come.
Blashyrkh Burns Bright: The Future of Immortal
Immortal’s future remains uncertain. The legal battle with Abbath hangs over the band, and the longevity of the Demonaz-Tormentor lineup is yet to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Demonaz’s passion for Immortal and the music they create burns brightly. With a critically acclaimed new album, a successful tour, and a commitment to upholding their icy black metal legacy, Immortal proves that the fires of Blashyrkh are far from extinguished.
Leave a Reply