Immortal (band)

Immortal is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Bergen in 1990. The band is known for its distinctive blend of raw aggression, atmospheric soundscapes, and lyrical themes focused on the Norwegian landscape, specifically the cold, harsh environment of the Norwegian forests and mountains. This imagery is often tied to themes of winter, frost, and death.

The band's core members have largely consisted of Abbath (Olve Eikemo) on vocals, guitar and bass, and Horgh (Reidun "Horgh" Bjørnstad) on drums. However, there has been significant lineup instability throughout the band's history, particularly regarding guitarists. Despite these changes, Immortal's sound has remained relatively consistent, characterized by its tremolo-picked guitars, blast beats, and Abbath's distinctive harsh vocals.

Their early work, such as the albums Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism and Pure Holocaust, established them as a major force in the second wave of black metal, while later albums like Battles in the North and At the Heart of Winter further refined their sound and solidified their position as influential figures within the genre. Their music is often cited as being highly influential to countless other black metal bands.

The band's discography is comprised of studio albums, EPs, and demos. While generally well-regarded, internal conflicts and legal disputes have often punctuated the band's history, resulting in periods of inactivity and lineup changes. Despite these challenges, Immortal continues to record and perform, albeit with an evolving lineup. Abbath, the band's primary songwriter and frontman, maintains a significant creative role, though his involvement has also been subject to periods of dispute and legal action. The legacy of Immortal continues to resonate within the black metal community, solidifying its status as one of the most important and influential bands in the genre.