Gorgoroth name dispute

Last updated
Gorgoroth live at John Dee 04.jpg Gaahl and King.jpg
Infernus Gaahl and King ov Hell

The Gorgoroth name dispute refers to a legal dispute between musicians from Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth over who had ownership of the band's name, which was derived from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. The parties to the dispute were band founder Infernus (Roger Tiegs) and members Gaahl (Kristian Espedal) and King ov Hell (Tom Cato Visnes). It began in October 2007, when it was announced that Gaahl and King had decided to part ways with Infernus, although the former two claimed to have "fired" the latter. [1] [2] [3] The dispute was concluded in March 2009 when a court verdict recognising Infernus as the legitimate user of the name was announced, and the outcome of the dispute also established a precedent in Norway for subsequent similar disputes. [4]

Contents

Overview

Background

Gorgoroth was formed in 1992 by guitarist Infernus. [5] Between 1993 and 1998, the band released one demo - A Sorcery Written in Blood (1993), three studio albums - Pentagram (1994), Antichrist (1996) and Under the Sign of Hell (1997), and one EP - The Last Tormentor (1996). [6] Infernus wrote much of the material on Pentagram and the entirety of Antichrist and Under the Sign of Hell, and he performed the bass lines on the latter two albums. This period saw several line-up changes - as would happen throughout the band's history - as well as extensive live performances which included two European tours. The band was signed to the major German heavy metal record label Nuclear Blast after being approached by them on their headlining European tour in 1997. This would be crucial for Gorgoroth to earn the attention of a wider audience through Nuclear Blast's distribution facilities in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Gorgoroth live in Bergen, Norway - October 20, 2000. Gaahl and Infernus Gorgoroth live in Bergen 20102000.jpg
Gorgoroth live in Bergen, Norway - October 20, 2000. Gaahl and Infernus

Vocalist Gaahl joined Gorgoroth in 1998, and was heard on the title track of Destroyer (1998). Bassist King ov Hell joined the band in 1999 and made his studio debut on Incipit Satan (2000), which was also the first Gorgoroth album to feature Gaahl as the main vocalist. Between 2002 and 2004, King composed the Gorgoroth songs that would comprise the majority of those on Twilight of the Idols (2003) and the entirety of those on Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam (2006), the only Gorgoroth releases between 2000 and 2007. Gaahl wrote lyrics for two songs Incipit Satan, the majority of those on Twilight of the Idols and the entirety of those on Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam. By the summer of 2007, three songs written by King and five songs with lyrics written by Gaahl were played in live performances.

Although Infernus contributed little material to Twilight of the Idols and none to Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam, he conceived the titles of the albums, rooted in his Satanism and his influences by Friedrich Nietzsche. He also continued to participate in the production and mastering of Gorgoroth albums. His songs also continued to comprise the majority of the material performed live. He reportedly had begun work on new material for a new album in October 2006 and was first reported writing it in March 2007, the title for which he revealed to be Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt in October 2007. [7] [8] [9] Furthermore, Infernus continued to promote the band and its releases in interviews and by other means such as the Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam listening session in Berlin, May 2006, as did King through interviews and seminars in the United States. [10] The prominence of Infernus and King was further reinforced through their statuses as official band contacts as well as through the sleeves of albums such as Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam - Infernus in particular was emphasised as "Satan's Minister on Earth" and he was largely responsible for negotiations with Regain Records.

More controversy surrounded the band in this period, which resulted from a controversial performance in Kraków, Poland in 2004 after which the relations with Nuclear Blast ceased, Gaahl and Infernus receiving prison sentences for excessive violence and gross negligent rape respectively, and appearances made by Gaahl in the media. [11] It was in part because of some of these events that Twilight of the Idols and Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam were the only Gorgoroth releases in this time period. [12]

Claims of Gaahl and King ov Hell to the name

Publicly, Gaahl and King cited multiple reasons behind their decision to exclude founding member Infernus and work under the name Gorgoroth. The claims most frequently iterated throughout the dispute were allegations of Infernus investing no interest in promoting Gorgoroth or participating creatively, and that he was abusive and disrespectful towards promoters, session members and other working partners, while Gaahl and King had "creatively defined" Gorgoroth throughout a period of eight years. [3] Other claims also included Gaahl's apparent objection to Infernus' support of the late Euronymous' Never Stop the Madness campaign through his now-defunct Deathlike Silence Productions label, while King felt averse to being with Infernus in the wake of the guitarist's rape allegations and eventual conviction for 'gross negligent rape'. [13]

Their decision had been made by summer 2007, and it was in September that King ⁠ ⁠—  with the assistance of Anders Odden of Cadaver and Satyricon⁠ ⁠—  filed a trademark application to Patentstyret for the name and logo of Gorgoroth. [9] [14]

Response of Infernus

Although Infernus declared he would not defend himself against any accusations about him raised throughout the dispute and did not directly counter the claims of Gaahl and King outside of formal environments, he nevertheless stated that he could be "difficult to work with", and stated that Gaahl and King should have decided to adopt a new name instead. [9] [15] [16]

Meanwhile, Infernus' work on Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt had been reported various times in the media. [7] [8] [ dead link ] [9]

Claims

Select clauses of the Patentstyret Trademark Act, such as § 2. and § 14. 7., were cited in Infernus' favour throughout the dispute and determined the eventually concluded illegality and invalidity of King's trademark application, which also failed to satisfy § 8.: [9] [17] [18] [19]

§ 2. The exclusive right to a trademark may also be acquired without registration when the trademark is established by use. A trademark is considered to be established by use when it is well known within the circle of trade concerned in this country as a distinctive sign for someone's goods.

§ 14. A trademark may not be registered if: 7. it is liable to be confused with a trademark which someone else has started to use before the applicant, and the applicant was aware of this use when he filed his application for registration;

§ 8. Even though a registered trademark is liable to be confused with a sign which has an earlier right, it shall be allowed to co-exist validly with the latter, provided the application for registration was filed in good faith and the holder of the earlier right has knowingly tolerated the use of the later trademark in this country for five consecutive years from the date of registration.

Misconceptions

Frequent misconceptions perpetuated throughout the dispute by various media outlets such as Terrorizer Magazine were that the acceptance of King's trademark application by Patentstyret between December 2007–January 2008 was a court verdict, and that at least one lawsuit had taken place prior to the one Infernus filed in September 2008, which reached Oslo District Court in January 2009. [4]

History

Prelude (September 2007)

In September 2007, King, with the assistance of Anders Odden from Cadaver and Satyrion, filed a trademark application to Patenstyret for the name and logo of Gorgoroth. [9] [14]

Departure from Infernus (October–November 2007)

In October 2007, Infernus announced on the band's official Myspace page that "a decision to split up the band" had been made with him on one side, and Gaahl and King on the other. [1] The statement explained that the members were unable to continue working together any longer and further noted that both sides intended to continue under the band's name. [1] A statement from Gaahl and King was also issued on the same day. [2] Gaahl issued another statement two days later claiming that the band had not split up but "continued on in a different form." [3] The statement further claimed that Infernus had not been a creative force throughout the course of eight years and had "shown no interest in the art [of] defining Gorgoroth during that same period of time." [3] Infernus responded on the following day with a statement noting that he claimed the legal right to band's name as "the founder and only original member of the band." [20]

Gaahl and King announced that Hellhammer of Mayhem and Dimmu Borgir would join them on drums from the beginning of 2008, however this did not materialize for unknown reasons. [21] Teloch of Nidingir (who had also previously been a live session member for Gorgoroth) and Nicholas Barker (formerly of Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir) were also revealed as members of their touring line-up. [22]

Gaahl (left) and King ov Hell (right) performing in November 2007. Gorgoroth 201107 Paris 01.jpg
Gaahl (left) and King ov Hell (right) performing in November 2007.

Another statement (intended to be the 'last in a line of short open letters to the media') from Infernus arrived a week later claiming that Gaahl had "been considering quitting the band numerous times" while King had left the band the previous year "due to difficulties combining playing in a clear-cut Satanic metal band as Gorgoroth with the fact that he is full-time employed as a primary school teacher." [9] Infernus further noted that as the band's founding member, he would "not agree on giving away the name [he] rightfully own to [their] third vocalist and sixth or seventh (!) bass player for whatever reasons they might have." [9] Furthermore, he said that he was in the process of finishing and preparing the material he reportedly started in October 2006 and was first reported writing when he was released on parole in March 2007, declaring the title to be Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt. [7] [9]

King's trademark application was revealed by Infernus to the public, and that this was done without the latter's knowledge. [14] Infernus' attorney Egil Horstad of Vogt & Wiig warned Gaahl and King that this application was in abrogration of select sections of the Patentstyret Trademark Act. [9] On their November European tour, which Gorgoroth had been scheduled to embark on several months before the split, Gaahl and King frequently used the name "The Force Gorgoroth", [23] [24] [25] and there also existed a King ov Hell/Gaahl trademark application for this band name. [26]

Acceptance of King's trademark application by Patentstyret (December 2007 – January 2008)

In December, Regain Records issued a press release announcing their decision to "continue the co-operation with the band's original member Infernus with a new line-up" and that the label recognised "Infernus as the rightful owner of the bands name, logo and trademark" as well as their preparation "to take any legal steps necessary to prevent any third party from exploiting it, artistically and commercially." [27] A week later, Gaahl and King delivered a statement claiming that it had been "legally determined" by the Norwegian patent office that they retained "the rightful ownership and use of the name and logo, now and in the future." [28] After the Patent Office's first department had thus accepted King's Gorgoroth trademark application, King and Gaahl withdrew their application for the trademark of "The Force Gorgoroth". [26] The statement also declared that Gaahl and King had severed ties with Regain Records for "their disloyal acts" and were "carefully choosing a new label for the release of their next full-length album." [28] Infernus subsequently declared that the Norwegian patent office decision would be appealed by Regain Records and himself. [29]

Non-negotiable offer (March 2008)

In March 2008, Infernus announced that he hired an additional lawyer - Kate I Lohren of Onsagers AS - and made a non-negotiable offer to Gaahl and King with a three-day deadline. [30] The offer was not accepted and Infernus then declared that his attorney would appeal the Norwegian Patent Office decision and "commence legal proceedings in order to have the matter handled by the courts." [31]

Live in Grieghallen (May–August 2008)

On May 30, 2008, Regain Records announced the June 2008 release of True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen , a new Gorgoroth album recorded live in studio. [32] [33] The recording line-up consisted of Infernus on guitars and bass, Gaahl on vocals, Teloch on session guitars, and Garghuf on session drums. [34] In July 2008, Gaahl and King posted a MySpace bulletin announcing that "Swedish court authorities (Malmø tingrett)" had "sided with Gorgoroth copyright holders Gaahl and King" against Regain Records in halting the distribution of the album. According to the bulletin, Regain Records had "illegally removed King's bass tracks and mixed the recordings without the knowledge of Gaahl and King". King and Gaahl claimed that Regain Records thus broke their contract with them. The bulletin also announced that they planned on taking further action against Regain Records. [35] The following day, Regain Records released a response to the announcement, stating that the ceasing and sales of marketing was "only an interemistic decision made by the court to stop all actions in regards of the album" until "the case is settled and there's no verdict made on the matter yet". [36]

On August 12, 2008, Infernus issued a statement saying that the Gorgoroth trademark matter would not be decided until a verdict was made in a yet to be announced trial in Oslo, Norway, and that the conflict between Regain Records and Gaahl/King ov Hell about True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen would be decided in another to-be-announced trial in Malmö, Sweden; until then, a temporary injunction has stopped Regain Records from promoting and distributing the album. [37]

Gaahl and King ov Hell stated that they would be entering the studio on August 25 to record a new album featuring Teloch as well as Ice Dale of Enslaved on guitars, and Frost of Satyricon and 1349 (who was also at different points a full-time and session member of Gorgoroth) on drums.

By October 2008, everything except the vocals had been recorded for the new album of Gaahl and King that in the aftermath of the name dispute was expected to materialise into the debut God Seed album. At certain points in time it was publicly stated by Gaahl and/or other parties that he had begun working on lyrics and vocal arrangements, but apparently on none of these occasions did Gaahl fulfil these, and his lack of enthusiasm would contribute to his decision to retire from metal in July 2009. [38] In October 2008, studio times were allocated so Gaahl could begin work, prompting the cancellation of a tour. [39] However, in December 2008 when interviewed by Faceculture, Gaahl implied that he had not yet worked on lyrics and vocal arrangements and intended to do so at some point after the completion of his band's European tour with Cradle of Filth. [40] In early 2009, Gaahl and his partner Robin went on vacation in Spain for two months. [38] While Gaahl was abroad, King claimed that he was using this time to work on lyrics and vocal arrangements, but after Gaahl returned from Spain it was stated by King that these had still yet to be done: [41]

We have recorded everything in the studio and are just waiting for Gaahl to put on vocals on it. So we have only vocals and the final mix to go before it's all done. It's sometimes a nightmare to work with him in the studio because of the pride he puts into the smallest details. If he is not in the right mood or doesn't find the correct words we get nothing done. At times I've spent days in the studio counting seconds with nothing happening. It's the same way now, but I know in the end the result will be unique and powerful. We have to wait till Gaahl is done writing his lyrics to choose the title for the album. When the whole concept of this album is done lyrically we’ll decide which title to use. [42]

Infernus files lawsuit against Gaahl and King (September 2008 – March 2009)

On December 1, 2008, it was announced on Infernus' official Gorgoroth website that a trial date was scheduled in Oslo, Norway and would take place in the last week of January 2009. [33]

The trial took place between January 28–30, 2009, and on March 10, 2009, Infernus announced the verdict had been reached:

"Oslo City District Court has today delivered a verdict on the main question in the Gorgoroth trademark case, which took place at the end of January 2009. The court has decided that King ov Hell's trademark registration # 243365 of the band name Gorgoroth is NOT valid and shall therefore be deleted. The court states that King ov Hell and Gaahl excluded themselves from the band Gorgoroth when they tried to fire Infernus in October 2007. The court further states that Infernus cannot be excluded from Gorgoroth, unless he himself decides to quit. Infernus is very pleased, but not surprised, by this verdict. The remaining issues concerning financial matters and such are yet to be decided upon." [17]

The name was considered to have already been trademarked by use before Gaahl and King joined the band in 1998 and 1999 respectively. [18] [43] According to Infernus' lawyer Erik Rødsand, Gaahl and King are prohibited from choosing band names that are "confusingly alike to" Gorgoroth. This would also include their previously registered "The Force Gorgoroth". [18] The domain name gorgoroth.org which had been under their control was redirected to the official website at www.gorgoroth.info until the lease eventually expired in 2010. [44] Gaahl and King assumed the name God Seed after the verdict, although the lineup was to dissolve in July 2009 after having had performed at two festivals following Gaahl's decision to leave and retire from metal music. [45]

Gorgoroth DA and other subsequent events (April–May 2009)

In early April 2009, Infernus revealed to the public that Gaahl and King had opened a small business called "Gorgoroth DA", apparently intended to be in connection with the Gorgoroth band name, and that the business was to be ordered to be shut down. [46] On June 2, 2009, an article in the Norwegian financial newspaper Dagens Næringsliv revealed that the remaining issues in Infernus' lawsuit had been agreed upon by the two parties, and that a settlement had been made. The details of the settlement are confidential, but Infernus commented that he was content with the outcome. In the same article, King and Gaahl's lawyer, Lars Christian Fjeldstad, confirmed that the verdict concerning the trademark registration was final ⁠ ⁠—  meaning it cannot be appealed ⁠ ⁠—  and that a settlement had been made regarding the remaining issues of the lawsuit. [47]

Key events

The sequence of key events in the name dispute is as follows:

DateKey event
13 September 2007King - with the assistance of Anders Odden - filed a trademark application to Patentstyret for the name and logo of Gorgoroth. [14]
21 October 2007Infernus announced that the band had parted ways, with Infernus on one side and Gaahl and King on the other. The latter two however claimed that Infernus had been fired from Gorgoroth.
23 October 2007Infernus' attorney Egil Horstad of Vogt & Wiig wrote a letter to legal representatives of Gaahl and King, warning them that the trademark application made by King and Anders Odden in September 2007 was in violation of select sections of the Patentstyret Trademark Act. [9]
31 October 2007Infernus released a press statement, where he revealed to the public King's trademark application from September 2007 as well as announced his next studio album Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt . [9]
13 December 2007Regain Records declared support for Infernus. [27]
19 December 2007Gaahl and King released a press statement announcing the approval of the latter's trademark application by the First Department of the Patent Office. [28]
3–14 January 2008King's trademark application was approved and enforced by the First Department of the Patent Office. [14]
4 March 2008Infernus announced that he hired an additional lawyer - Kate I Lohren of Onsagers AS - and made a non-negotiable offer to Gaahl and King with a three-day deadline. [30]
11 March 2008After Gaahl and King declined the offer from 4 March 2008, Infernus declared that his attorney would appeal the Norwegian Patent Office decision and "commence legal proceedings in order to have the matter handled by the courts." [31]
15 March 2008Infernus released a statement saying that he was "personally against racism in both thought and practice", in response to "vile rumours and speculation" circulating about him, as well as investigation on Gaahl's backgrounds by Norwegian anti-racist organisations. [48]
July 2008A temporary injunction by Malmø tingrett prohibited Regain Records from distributing True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen . [36]
12 August 2008Infernus issued a statement saying that the Gorgoroth trademark matter would not be decided until a verdict is made in a trial in Oslo, Norway which had yet to be announced, and that the matter of True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen would not be decided in another to-be-announced trial in Malmö, Sweden. [37]
September 2008Infernus filed his lawsuit against King ov Hell for the latter's trademark application in September 2007, on the grounds that Infernus had established his rights to the name and logo through use before King joined the band. [33]
1 December 2008An announcement was made stating the trial was scheduled to take place in Oslo, Norway, in the last week of January 2009. [33]
28–30 January 2009The trial took place in Oslo, Norway. [49]
10 March 2009Infernus announced that King ov Hell's trademark registration had been deemed invalid by the court in Oslo, and that the court had found that King ov Hell and Gaahl excluded themselves from the band Gorgoroth in October 2007.

Witnesses who testified

The witnesses who were called to testify in the trial were: [4] [50]

Infernus

Gaahl/King ov Hell

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gorgoroth</span> Norwegian black metal band

Gorgoroth is a Norwegian black metal band based in Bergen. It was formed in 1992 by guitarist Infernus, who is the sole original member remaining, and has released nine studio albums. Gorgoroth are a Satanic band and have drawn controversy due to some of their concerts, which have featured impaled sheep heads and mock crucifixions. The band is named after the dead plateau of darkness in the land of Mordor from J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaahl</span> Norwegian musician and painter

Kristian Eivind Espedal, better known by his stage name Gaahl, is a Norwegian vocalist and painter. He is best known as the former frontman of Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. He is also the founder and lead vocalist of Trelldom and Gaahlskagg. Since leaving Gorgoroth, he has been involved with God Seed, Wardruna, and Gaahls Wyrd. He was the focus of the documentary True Norwegian Black Metal and also appeared in the film Flukt.

<i>Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam</i> 2006 studio album by Gorgoroth

Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam is the seventh studio album by Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. It was released in Europe on 19 June 2006 by Regain Records and in the US on 25 July 2006 by Candlelight Records. This was the only Gorgoroth album on which all of the lyrics and music were written by Gaahl and King ov Hell, and was the last to feature both members. It also marked the return of drummer Frost and was the last Gorgoroth album that he appeared on. It was nominated for Norway's 2006 Spellemann award in the "Metal" category. It is the first Gorgoroth album with no Norwegian lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infernus</span> Norwegian black metal musician

Roger Tiegs, better known by his stage name Infernus, is a Norwegian black metal musician and Satanist. He is the sole founding member and chief ideologist of the black metal band Gorgoroth, formed in 1992, in addition to being the founder and head of Forces of Satan Records. While mainly a guitarist, Infernus has also participated as bassist, drummer and vocalist on several recordings released both by Gorgoroth and other bands.

<i>Twilight of the Idols</i> (Gorgoroth album) 2003 studio album by Gorgoroth

Twilight of the Idols (In Conspiracy with Satan) is the sixth studio album by Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. It was released on 12 August 2003 by Nuclear Blast and reissued in 2006 by Back on Black Records. It is the band's only album to feature drummer Kvitrafn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King ov Hell</span> Musical artist

Tom Cato Visnes, better known as King ov Hell or simply King, is a Norwegian musician. He is best known as the former bassist of black metal band Gorgoroth, and as a member of Audrey Horne, Sahg, I, Ov Hell, God Seed, Abbath, Jotunspor and Temple of the Black Moon.

<i>Incipit Satan</i> 2000 studio album by Gorgoroth

Incipit Satan is the fifth full-length album by Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. It was released on 7 February 2000 by Nuclear Blast, and reissued in 2006 by Back on Black Records. Incipit Satan was the first album with King ov Hell as bassist, the last album to feature Tormentor on guitar and the only one with Sjt. Erichsen on drums. The band members dedicated the album to their deceased friend and former bandmate Erik Brødreskift.

Regain Records is a Swedish-based independent record label. The label predominantly released death metal and black metal albums. Regain Records was founded from what remained of the former label, Wrong Again Records, by Per Gyllenbäck in 1997. Wrong Again Records had such bands as In Flames, Cryptopsy, Arch Enemy, and Naglfar among its ranks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tormentor (musician)</span> Norwegian guitarist and vocalist

Tormentor is a Norwegian black metal musician who is best known for his work as guitarist with the black metal band Gorgoroth.

<i>Black Mass Krakow 2004</i> 2008 video by Gorgoroth

Black Mass Krakow 2004 is a live concert DVD by the Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. It was released by Metal Mind on 9 June 2008 in Europe and on 8 July 2008 in the US. The DVD is of the band's controversial 2004 concert that was filmed in a TV studio in Kraków, Poland. The DVD also includes live footage from the Full Force Festival Leipzig 2000, band biography, discography, photo gallery, desktop images and web links, and is compatible with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

<i>True Norwegian Black Metal – Live in Grieghallen</i> 2008 live album by Gorgoroth

True Norwegian Black Metal – Live in Grieghallen is Gorgoroth's first full-length live album, released by Regain Records. It was recorded live in the studio at Grieghallen Lydstudio in Bergen and Threeman Recordings in Stockholm. The songs on the album represented the most commonly played songs in Gorgoroth's live set. The cover design by Magnus Wohlfart was radically different from the previous three full-length albums, being more reminiscent of the cover of the album Under the Sign of Hell (1997). Most of the album was recorded before the departure of vocalist Gaahl and bass guitarist King ov Hell, who had intended on using the band's name and assets. The bass guitar for this album was later re-recorded by guitarist and band founder Infernus. Infernus dedicated the album to the late Jon Nödtveidt of Dissection.

<i>Originators of the Northern Darkness – A Tribute to Mayhem</i> 2001 compilation album by Various artists

Originators of the Northern Darkness is a tribute album to the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, with contributions from some of the leading bands in the black metal and death metal scenes. All the songs were recorded between 1998 and 2000 in various locations, and the album was released on CD in 2001 by Avantgarde Music. In addition to the regular CD, a limited edition CD in black leather was also released. The album was re-released on digipack CD in 2007 by Peaceville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pest (musician)</span> Musical artist

Thomas Kronenes, best known by the stage name Pest, is a Norwegian black metal musician, mainly known for his work in the band Gorgoroth. While a part of Gorgoroth he performed vocals, and also played guitar in the group for a very short time in 1996.

<i>Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt</i> 2009 studio album by Gorgoroth

Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt is the eighth studio album by Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. It was released on 21 October 2009 by Regain Records. This album marked the return of Pest on vocals, as well as the debut of Tomas Asklund on drums and Bøddel on bass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">God Seed</span> Norwegian black metal band

God Seed was a Norwegian black metal band based in Bergen, Norway. Former Gorgoroth members Gaahl and King ov Hell adopted the name in March 2009 following the ending of the Gorgoroth name dispute. After performing a few gigs as God Seed, vocalist Gaahl left the band in July 2009 and it was put on hold. King finished the music for God Seed's first album, with vocalist Shagrath, and released it under the name Ov Hell. Gaahl re-joined God Seed in 2012. In January that year they released the live album Live at Wacken, and in October they released their first studio album, I Begin.

Ov Hell is a Norwegian black metal supergroup started by Shagrath and King ov Hell in 2009. The band's debut album, The Underworld Regime, was released in February 2010 by Indie Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arve Isdal</span> Musical artist

Arve Isdal, also known as Ice Dale, is a Norwegian musician and producer, best known as lead guitarist for the extreme metal band Enslaved and the hard rock band Audrey Horne. He owns and runs Conclave & Earshot Studio in Bergen together with former-Enslaved band member Herbrand Larsen. In addition to working as a musician and producer, Isdal also teaches music production at Noroff.

<i>I Begin</i> 2012 studio album by God Seed

I Begin is the only album by Norwegian black metal band God Seed. It was released on 23 October 2012 in North America and on 30 October 2012 in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaahls Wyrd</span> Norwegian black metal band

Gaahls Wyrd is a black metal band based in Bergen, Norway, formed by the former Gorgoroth and God Seed vocalist Gaahl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morten Bergeton Iversen</span> Norwegian guitarist

Morten Bergeton Iversen, better known by his stage name Teloch, is a Norwegian musician and composer. He is currently guitarist for black metal bands Mayhem and Nidingr, and fronts the eponymous electronic solo project Bergeton. Iversen is a former touring and session member of Gorgoroth, God Seed and 1349.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "GORGOROTH To Split Up?". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-21. Archived from the original on 2007-10-22. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  2. 1 2 "GORGOROTH Vocalist, Bassist Vow To Carry On Following Split With Guitarist". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-21. Archived from the original on 2008-04-21. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "GORGOROTH Frontman: 'We Will Raise The Flame Higher And Brighter Than Ever'". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-23. Archived from the original on 2008-04-21. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  4. 1 2 3 "imhotep.no". imhotep.no. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  5. ↑ "Gorgoroth - Band". Archived from the original on 2009-04-13. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  6. ↑ Gorgoroth - Albums Archived 2009-03-31 at the Wayback Machine
  7. 1 2 3 "MORTEM ZINE Interview with Infernus". Mortemzine.net. Archived from the original on 2009-05-30. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  8. 1 2 Update Archived December 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "GORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS: 'I Promise For Satan That I Will Come Back'". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-31. Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  10. ↑ Gorgoroth official website Archived 2009-04-14 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "Tartarean Desire - Gorgoroth - Black metal band from Norway" . Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  12. ↑ www.voicesfromthedarkside.de. "www.voicesfromthedarkside.de". www.voicesfromthedarkside.de. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  13. ↑ Grow, Kory (21 October 2007). "Infernal Affairs". Revolver . Future US. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 13 March 2009. Why the most dangerous true Norwegian black-metal band of the decade turned on itself
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Visnes, Tom Cato; Espedal, Kristian; Tiegs, Roger; ONSAGERS AS (2023-12-09) [Filed 2007.09.13, registered 2008.01.03, published in the Norwegian Gazette 2008.01.14, opposition date 2008.03.14, opposition status last updated 2009.06.11]. "Detailed view trademark | NIPO; Trademark text: Gorgoroth". Patentstyret (in English and Norwegian). Norwegian Industrial Property Office. Application number 200710859. Registration number 243365. Opposition case number 2008/00136. Archived from the original on 2023-12-11. Retrieved 2023-12-11. Publication(s): Norwegian Trademark Gazette 03/2008 {{cite web}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  15. ↑ "Gorgoroth Guitarist Infernus: 'My Intention Is to Continue for Another 15 Years!'". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 24 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 April 2008. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  16. ↑ "Gorgoroth interview". Fémforgács. 26 January 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  17. 1 2 "Infernus Claims Victory in Gorgoroth Name Dispute". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 10 March 2009. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  18. 1 2 3 "Retten: - Infernus er Gorgoroth - Hordaland - NRK Nyheter" (in Norwegian). Nrk.no. 10 March 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  19. ↑ "LOV 1961-03-03 nr 04: Lov om varemerker". Lovdata.no. Archived from the original on August 14, 2014. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  20. ↑ "GORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS: 'My Intention Is To Continue For Another 15 Years!'". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-24. Archived from the original on 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  21. ↑ "MAYHEM Drummer HELLHAMMER Joins GAAHL-Fronted Version Of GORGOROTH". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-25. Archived from the original on 2008-03-08. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  22. ↑ "GORGOROTH Recruits Drummer NICK BARKER For European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-10-29. Archived from the original on 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  23. ↑ xtinemp3 (2007-12-04). "Interview with The force Gorgoroth". MP3.com. Retrieved 2009-03-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ↑ "Tour diary". Forum.metal-hammer.de. Archived from the original on 2008-12-24. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  25. ↑ "Wacken Open Air announcement". Wacken.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  26. 1 2 Visnes, Tom Cato; Odden, Anders; Espedal, Kristian (2023-12-09) [Filed 2007.12.05, legal status last updated 2008.01.21, detailed status last updated 2008.04.07]. "Detailed view trademark | NIPO; Trademark text: The Force Gorgoroth". Patentstyret. Norwegian Industrial Property Office. Application number 200715620. Archived from the original on 2023-12-11. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  27. 1 2 "Record Label Takes Guitarist's Side In GORGOROTH Name Dispute". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-12-13. Archived from the original on 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  28. 1 2 3 "GORGOROTH's GAAHL, KING Retain Ownership Of Band's Name And Logo". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-12-19. Archived from the original on 2009-03-30. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  29. ↑ "ORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS Says New Lineup Will Include Members Of OBITUARY, DISSECTION". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-12-26. Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  30. 1 2 "GORGOROTH's INFERNUS Makes 'Non-Negotiable' Offer To Estranged Bandmates". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-03-04. Archived from the original on 2008-03-08. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  31. 1 2 "GORGOROTH Guitarist Says He Will Commence 'Legal Proceedings' Against Estranged Bandmates". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-03-11. Archived from the original on 2008-03-25. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  32. ↑ "New GORGOROTH Live-Album "Live Grieghallen" available in June/08!!!". Regain Records. 2008-05-30. Archived from the original on July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  33. 1 2 3 4 "Gorgoroth official website". Gorgoroth.info. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  34. ↑ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH: Complete 'Live In Grieghallen' Details Revealed". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  35. ↑ "GORGOROTH's GAAHL, KING Force REGAIN RECORDS To Stop Distribution Of 'Live In Greighallen' - July 27, 2008". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  36. 1 2 "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - REGAIN RECORDS Issues Statement Regarding GORGOROTH 'Live In Grieghallen' Dispute". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  37. 1 2 "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - Guitarist Infernus Vows to Continue Fightover Gorgoroth Name". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-21. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  38. 1 2 "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GAAHL On Decision To Retire From Metal: 'For Me, It's Not Heartfelt Anymore'". Archived from the original on 2012-02-19. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
  39. ↑ BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GAAHL-Fronted GORGOROTH Cancels Dates Due To Recording Schedule Archived 2009-03-30 at the Wayback Machine
  40. ↑ Gaahl / Video interview / Artists / FaceCulture - Online Multimedia Magazine Archived 2009-12-30 at the Wayback Machine
  41. 1 2 "From Imhotep to Eternal Terror". 24 July 2011. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  42. ↑ "King Ov Hell Discusses New Band God Seed" . Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  43. ↑ "Dom fastslår: Infernus er Gorgoroth - AVIS2". Avis2.no. Archived from the original on 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  44. ↑ "Gorgoroth". Gorgoroth. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  45. ↑ BLABBERMOUTH.NET - Former GORGOROTH Members Launch GOD SEED Archived 2009-03-27 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ↑ "Gorgoroth - The Gauntlet". www.thegauntlet.com. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  47. ↑ Hagen, Anders W. Forlikte satanister, Dagens Næringsliv, 02.06.2009, p. 42.
  48. ↑ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH Guitarist INFERNUS: 'I Personally Am Against Racism In Both Thought And Practice'". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  49. ↑ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - GORGOROTH Trial Kicks Off In Oslo - Jan. 28, 2009". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  50. ↑ "Gorgoroth trial update: witness list revealed". Blabbermouth.net. February 4, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Retrieved March 1, 2009.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.