Ragnarok - Malediction (CD) (UK Import)

Ragnarok was formed in 1994 in Norway by Jontho (drums) and Jerv (bass), who had just left their previous band Thoth. They were soon joined by Thyme (vocals) and Rym (guitar) and then they recorded their first demo entitled "Pagan Land". The demo was recorded in a studio called Haga Audio which unfortunately didn't have any experience with Black Metal so it didn't turn out good and the response wasn't that good either. In 1995 the band recorded the song 'Et Vinterland I Nord' which was going to feature on a compilation CD for local bands in Sarpsborg. It turned out to be great so the band sent out the song to various labels and media. The response was positive so they re-recorded the demo in a different studio called X-Ray Studios and this time it turned out to be great and shortly after they were signed to Head Not Found. They soon entered the studio once again and recorded their debut album which was released same year. They also played their first gig right after the release.

In 1996 the band was unsatisfied with the label so they decided to leave them but the label quickly offered them a better deal and then they were re-signed for two more albums. They also played at the famous Elm Street bar in Oslo together with Old Man's Child and shortly after Century Media wanted to sign them, but they had to say no because of the contract with their label. In 1997 they entered the studio to record their second album which featured Shagrath of [a=Dimmu Borgir on keyboard. In 1998 they went on their first tour with Siebenbürgen from Sweden and Atanatos from Germany and played one gig in Denmark and seven in Germany and they also played at "The Hellraiser Festival" in Leipzig, Germany.

At the end of the year recordings for the third album began and this time it took place in Endless Studio in Oslo. The following year, during the mixing, which had to be done five times, Thyme left the band because of other interests. Rym had also come up with new material and thought it would be best with another guitarist so Sander of Shadow Dancers became a member. In 2000 they finally found a replacement for Thyme, his name was Astaroth. Shortly after "Diabolical Age" was finally released and the band then played at "Under The Black Sun Festival" in Germany. The band was shocked at Sanders poor performance and kicked him out of the band when they got home. Lord Arcamous was asked to join them for a tour which was together with Satanic Slaughter of Sweden. It was a self-financed tour and it was also tough for the band since Rym was forced to stay home. The pressure showed that Astaroth wasn't the right man for the band so he was kicked after the tour was over. The contract also ended so the band searched for a new label.

In 2001 Lord Arcamous became a full-time member and also took over vocals and the band also sent out material to labels and were soon signed to Swedish label Regain Records.

Source: Discogs