Servants of Sorcery

Description

Official release of classic primitive Norwegian black metal recorded in 1992, featuring Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir – Includes bonus tracks and presented on a CD format with a 16-page booklet. Fimbulwinter, though short-lived, created a single cult release in the form of 1994’s ‘Servants Of Sorcery’, as the ‘second wave’ of Norwegian black metal was truly taking root. The band was formed in Oslo in 1992, spearheaded by the notable figure of Shagrath, later becoming more known as main man for the phenomenon that was Dimmu Borgir. A rawer affair than the symphonic majesty of Dimmu Borgir, Fimbulwinter demonstrated a primal and ferocious black metal attack and concocted a perfect example of the early 90s style, with an additional injection of praise for 80s thrash bands. Even though ‘Servants Of Sorcery’ as a release didn’t see the light of day until 1994, the tracks themselves were recorded in winter 1992 and are thus an essential and influential example of what would form a whole new chapter in metal history. Joining Shagrath was Skoll (Ved Buens Ende, Ulver, Arcturus) on bass, with the line-up completed by Necronos & Orbweaver. This edition of ‘Servants Of Sorcery’ – a title constantly requested by fans for a proper re-release for many years – notably includes material as well as bonus tracks sourced and transferred from the band’s own collection of tapes (with work overseen by Shagrath himself), to present this most complete and comprehensive edition of Fimbulwinter’s work and legacy. As well as the original Fimbulwinter material of ominous lo-fi chaos, there are cover versions of Celtic Frost’s ‘Morbid Tales’ (which featured on the original ‘Servants Of Sorcery’ release), plus Darkthrone’s ‘The Watchtower’, which is now included for the first time.