Abbath

Abbath Doom Occulta (born Olve Eikemo, June 27, 1973) is a Norwegian musician, primarily known as the co-founder, guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter of the black metal band Immortal. Following a legal dispute with other members of Immortal, he formed his own band, simply named Abbath.

Early Life and Career

Eikemo grew up in Bergen, Norway, and became interested in metal music at a young age. He co-founded Immortal in 1991 with Demonaz Doom Occulta, establishing a distinctive sound characterized by harsh vocals, blast beats, and themes of winter, ice, and northern darkness (often referred to as "Blashyrkh").

Immortal

Abbath's work with Immortal is considered highly influential in the black metal genre. He contributed not only vocals and guitar but also bass guitar on several albums. The band gained international recognition for its intense live performances and visually striking imagery. Some of Immortal's most notable albums include Pure Holocaust (1993), Battles in the North (1995), At the Heart of Winter (1999), and Sons of Northern Darkness (2002).

Abbath (band)

In 2015, Abbath left Immortal following a protracted legal battle over the rights to the band's name. He subsequently formed his own band, "Abbath," releasing their debut album Abbath in 2016. The band's sound continued the black metal style associated with his work in Immortal, though with some incorporating elements of heavy metal and hard rock. Subsequent releases include Outstriders (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022).

Musical Style and Influences

Abbath's musical style is rooted in black metal but also draws on influences from heavy metal, thrash metal, and hard rock. His songwriting often incorporates complex song structures and melodies, deviating from the rawer, more primal approaches of some early black metal bands. His vocal delivery is characterized by a distinctive rasp and growl. His lyrical themes frequently explore nature, mythology, and the bleak landscapes of northern regions.