• Gothic Metal

PHOTO: Trond Andersen

Frontrunners in the field of Euro Gothic Metal, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, hailing from Royneberg, Stavanger, made a big impression on the German Rock conscious led by the vocal delivery of guttural Death Metal growls of Raymond István Rohonyi juxtaposed with the dynamic clarity of soprano LIV KRISTINE. Albums are characterised by attention to meticulous detail. In more recent years THEATRE OF TRAGEDY has shed their Gothic skin and successfully transported their fan base into more industrial landscapes. The band catalyst was drummer Hein Frode Hansen, previously a member of PHOBIA, an act that included pre-ENSLAVED personnel vocalist Grutle Kjellson and guitarist Ivar Bjornson.

Hansen together with vocalist Raymond I. Rohonyi, guitar players Pål Bjåstad and Tommy Lindal, PAINTHEAD bassist Eirik T. Saltrø and fifteen year old keyboard player Lorentz Aspen gelled together to create SUFFERING GRIEF in October of 1993. Although fronted by the Death Metal grunts of Rohonyi the band even at this formative stage were endeavouring to branch out into more atmospheric material. Evidence of this was displayed early on with Rohonyi's use of old English lyrical script evoking Shakespearian charm. Having constructed their first composition, 'Lament Of The Perishing Roses', the band would operate as LE REINE NOIR for a matter of days before setting on the title THEATRE OF TRAGEDY in April of 1994...