Gehenna

Gehenna is a seminal Norwegian black metal entity formed in 1993 in Stavanger. Initially emerging as a key player in the symphonic black metal movement, their early releases like 'First Spell' and 'Seen Through the Veils of Darkness' are regarded as foundational texts for the subgenre, blending melodic synth work with grim aesthetics.

The band's career is marked by significant stylistic pivots; after the 1996 album 'Malice', they moved toward a death and thrash-influenced sound on 'Murder', which polarized their fanbase. This era was characterized by a shift from high-pitched shrieks to guttural shouts and a more rhythmic, aggressive approach. In the mid-2000s, Gehenna returned to their roots with 'WW', adopting a raw, minimalist black metal style reminiscent of early Darkthrone. Critically, they are respected for their refusal to remain static, though they are most revered by collectors for their 'Spell' era. Their influence is felt in the atmospheric and symphonic black metal scenes, bridging the gap between the raw second wave and more melodic, keyboard-driven explorations.