MORTEM - Ravnsvart (CD)

Before Arcturus there was Mortem. Bringing together members of Arcturus, Mayhem, Thorns, &
1349 for a masterwork of eerie black metal, 2019's 'Ravnsvart' marked the studio debut from these
true legends of the Norwegian metal scene. When one looks back at the bloodstained history of
black metal, the names are as familiar as those of old friends - Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone. But in
the shadows lurked another prime purveyor of northern darkness. Formed by Marius Vold & Steinar
Sverd Johnsen in 1989, Mortem was one of the first black metal bands to crawl out of the woodwork
in Norway, releasing the highly coveted and brutal 'Slow Death' demo, with Euronymous & Dead of
Mayhem acting as producer and cover artist respectively. After the release of 'Slow Death', the band
was laid to rest with members going on to form and feature in acclaimed titans such as Arcturus and
Thorns, both of which would become mainstays in the black metal scene and beyond.
In a moment of nostalgia & a desire for something more brutal beyond the current vessel of
Arcturus, the corpse of Mortem was revived, & the unholy duo of Marius & Steinar joined forces
once more. And so the long-awaited album, titled 'Ravnsvart', was brought to the world, possessing
the same raw brutality & spirit as the original incarnation, plus fresh elements uniquely woven into
the fabric of the early sounds of Scandinavian black metal, & crafted into a masterpiece of sinister
horror. Joining the duo is Hellhammer from the legendary Mayhem on drums, plus Tor Stavenes of
1349/Svart Lotus on bass. 'Ravnsvart' was followed up by a full reimagining and re-recording of the
classic 'Slow Death' demo tracks, also including a cover of the Mayhem classic, 'Funeral Fog'.
This CD edition of 'Ravnsvart' is presented in jewel case packaging complete with a 12-page booklet.