Hidden Gems & Guilty Pleasures: Aeternus (Norway)

Aeternus (Dark Metal // Norway)

Aeternus was formed by Ares in 1993 in Bergen, Norway. Aeternus pioneered the genre dark metal; combining black metal and death metal with elements of classical and folk music. The band creates its trademark sound by layering superlative guitar playing and haunting, melodic interludes. Its current line-up comprises guitarist/vocalist Ares, guitarist Gorm, bassist Eld and drummer Phobos (amongst whom are current and former members of Gorgoroth, Immortal and Gaahls Wyrd).

Upon releasing the demo »Walk My Path« in 1994, Aeternus was signed to View Beyond Records who later released their cult classic »Dark Sorcery« in 1995. Hammerheart Records subsequently signed the band and released their debut album »Beyond The Wandering Moon« in 1997. This led to a long period of touring for the band throughout the 90’s and in to the new millennium. During this era Aeternus toured alongside bands such as Deicide, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Emperor, Marduk, 1349 and Aura Noir among others.

Following a number of lineup changes and restructuring 2013 began a new era for the band with the release of »…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth«. Of the original lineup only the founding member Ares (ex-Immortal, ex-Gorgoroth) remained. With a new spirit taking hold in the band, after years of silence, Aeternus returned to the stage touring in Europe with and playing a large number of festivals. This era also sees the band perform their first appearance in the US at the Maryland Deathfest in front of a packed venue.

In 2018 Aeternus released their 8th album »Heathen«. In support of the release the band did their first Latin American tour, playing in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina including a few festivals in Europe until the pandemic stopped the band’s live activity and future show plans. The band spent this period productively creating their 9th studio album, »Philosopher«, due for release on November 17th, 2023 via Agonia Records.

»Philosopher« was recorded, produced & mixed by the band & Herbrand Larsen at Conclave and Earshot Studios (Immortal, Enslaved) and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory at Rorysound Studio (Bloodbath, Vomitory). The cover artwork, illustrations and layout was crafted by Mar.A. (Cultes Des Ghoules, Deus Mortem). Order vinyl, CD and cassette here: aeternus-philosopher.com.

Courtesy of Agonia Records

Selected discography:
• »Dark Sorcery« EP (View Beyond Records, 1995)
• »Beyond The Wandering Moon« LP (Hammerheart Records, 1997)
• »Dark Rage« EP (Hammerheart Records, 1998)
• »…And So The Night Became« LP (Hammerheart Records, 1998)
• »Shadows Of Old« LP (Hammerheart Records, 1999)
• »Burning The Shroud« Compilation (Hammerheart Records, 2000)
• »Ascension Of Terror« LP (Hammerheart Records, 2001)
• »A Darker Monument« LP (Nocturnal Art Productions, 2003)
• »Hexaeon« LP (Karisma Records, 2006)
• »…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth« LP (Dark Essence Records, 2013)
• »Heathen« LP (Dark Essence Records, 2018)
• »Philosopher« LP (Agonia Records, 2023)

Aeternus is:
Ares – Vocals, Guitars
Gorm – Guitars
Eld – Bass
Phobos – Drums

Artwork by Jannicke Wiese-Hansen

FFO: Dissection, Immortal, Enslaved, Morbid Angel, Satyricon, Runemagick, The Ruins Of Beverast, Hades Almighty

Links:
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp1 | Bandcamp2 | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well