Darkthrone started their career in the late 80s, trying their hand at thrash, death and doom metal, before delving into black metal and becoming synonymous with the style, becoming one of its most beloved bands. "Goatlord" is the title of what was supposed to be Darkthrone's second album. The style is very close to that of the debut album, "Soulside Journey," with melodic and technical mid-paced death metal. However, after completing the tracks, Darkthrone turned to black metal and a more primitive style of composition. The album was thus shelved, while work began on what would become the important Norwegian black metal album, "A Blaze In The Northern Sky," which incorporated some parts from the "Goatlord" tracks. "Goatlord: Original" contains these cult tracks in their original instrumental form, recorded in the band's rehearsal room (vocals were added in the mid-90s before an official release by Moonfog Productions in 1996), with the classic lineup of Gylve "Fenris" Nagell on drums, Ted Skjellum on lead guitar, Ivar Enger on rhythm guitar, and Dag Nilsen on bass.