Thorns

THORNS is one of those bands that played a huge role in the development of 1990s Norwegian black metal but never gained the mainstream notoriety or success of bands like Darkthrone, Mayhem, Emperor, or Burzum.  Formed in 1989 as Stigma Diabolicum by Snorre Ruch and Marius Vold, the band released some crucial demos and rehearsals, such as 1989's Luna de Nocturnus and 1990's Lacus de Luna.  On these releases, one can hear the development of the famous Norwegian riffing style that heavily influenced the entire 1990s scene.

Here is Stigma Diabolicum's 1989 demo, Luna de Nocturnus

After roughly two years as Stigma Diabolicum, the band changed their name to Thorns.  As Thorns, they became more widely known throughout the Norwegian (and international) black metal scene.  The demos Grymryk (1991), Trøndertun (1992), and The Thule Tape (1992) all became famous for their fairly unique guitar sound that has since become practically a trademark of the Norwegian scene.

"You That Mingle May" is one of Thorns most famous songs

From the Trøndertun demo, this is "Aerie Descent"

After the production of these crucial demos, Snorre Ruch became a part-time member of Mayhem, and contributed to the legendary Mayhem album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.  After the events surrounding Euronymous' murder, Ruch was sentenced to jail time for his role as an accomplice.  It was not until after his release from prison that Thorns renewed activity.  In 1999, the Thorns vs. Emperor album was put out with Thorns covering Emperor songs, and vice versa.

Back to back, here are the 1999 Thorns and Emperor versions of "Aerie Descent"

Following the Thorns vs. Emperor CD, Thorns finally managed to put out a full-length album in 2001.  This self-titled album featured the guitar sound for which Thorns had become known, but also electronic and industrial elements.  With such Norwegian black metal luminaries as Hellhammer, Satyr, and Aldrahn all contributing, this album was both an apex of sorts for black metal as well as a very forward-looking album.

What Thorns' self-titled album sounded like

Since that self-titled album, Thorns hasn't really done much.  The old material has been released in 2007 on CD as Stigma Diabolicum.  While their output hasn't been enormous, their impact on the black metal of Norway (and beyond) certainly has.

Select Discography:

as Stigma Diabolicum:

Luna de Nocturnus (demo) (1989)
Lacus de Luna (demo) (1990)

as Thorns:
Grymyrk (demo) (1991)
Trøndertun (demo) (1992)
The Thule Tape (demo) (1992)
Thorns vs. Emperor (split with Emperor) (1999)
Thorns (full-length album) (2001)

Next time: BEHERIT