"… I think… everybody in this genre today is inspired by Snorre in some way or another… Mayhem wanted to sound like Thorns. Immortal wanted to sound like Thorns. Everybody…" ~ Dødheimsgard's Vicotnik
As we previously reported, thanks to a social media post by Slagmaur, the legendary Thorns is currently preparing to release their first album in over two decades. After changing their name from Stigma Diabolicum, Thorns unleashed three historic demos — Grymyrk (1991), Trøndertun (1992), and The Thule Tape (1992); the split Thorns vs. Emperor (1999); their self-titled 2001 debut; and more. Along with Mayhem's late Euronymous, Thorns' Snorre Ruch is regarded as the co-architect of the black metal style of riffing. Mr. Ruch's pioneering influence simply cannot be overstated. No one will doubt that he is one of the greatest visionaries and guitarists in the genre.
Today, we have even more exciting updates to share! The mighty Slagmaur provided us with Snorre Ruch's sinister warning: "Human vermin be ready to be holed up." Ruch continues:
"Finally, the long-desired second Thorns album, the infinite and absolute apex of the metal legend's total singularity is about to consume your pity planet! From the spinning Sagittarius A-Hole evolving Sagittarius B-Star is thrown across the Milky Way from its dead center and pounding your way! Aldrahn and Snorre on vocals being guested by Slagmaur's Dr. Von Hellreich with special appearances of Satyr and The Sulphur Sisters will stuff incomprehensible truths into your Primate earholes!"
General Gribbsphiiser, who founded Slagmaur in 2006, further informs us:
"I have heard the new Thorns for 9 years, and it's insane. People will not be disappointed. It's definitely Thorns, and the new Slagmaur album will also be up there kicking!"
Although it will be released through Peaceville Records, the new Thorns album will be the final production by Moonfog, the label of Satyricon's Satyr, a longtime collaborator of the band. We know that Satyr will bring all of his artistry as a vocalist to this highly anticipated offering.
In April, Slagmaur confirmed that they are scheduled to perform at the respected Belgian-based festival Unholy Congregation. It now comes as a wonderful surprise that Slagmaur has convinced Thorns to accompany them. The fifth edition of Unholy Congregation will showcase a variety of other greats: Vemod, Whoredom Rife, The Ruins of Beverast, etc. The festival will take place on December 1 and 2. Tickets can be purchased here.
"We are ready for Unholy Congregation," the Thorns camp declares. Slagmaur and the General have prepared the following official statement to confirm the breaking news:
Prepare for a ritual of unparalleled intensity, as the legendary Thorns, led by the enigmatic Snorre Ruch, descend upon the Unholy Congregation. "A giant of black metal history, Thorns are an icon who rarely, if ever, have graced the stage. Witness this extremely rare event as Snorre will join Slagmaur for an unholy collaboration that will transcend your wildest nightmares. This year, we summon darkness like never before!"
It would be a crime if we failed to acknowledge that Slagmaur is every bit as compelling as Thorns, and thus these outfits serve as the perfect accomplices. Slagmaur has rightly been dubbed the most terrifying black metal act around. In addition, this band of delightfully charismatic hooligans can certainly be described as one of the most enigmatic entities in the industry. Their highly inventive music and imagery ranks among the very best in the genre. For this reason, Slagmaur has acquired fans such as Mayhem's Hellhammer, ex-Mayhem's Maniac, and Carpathian Forest's Vrangsinn.
Yes, we eagerly await Slagmaur's aforementioned upcoming fourth album, Hulders Ritualet, which will be unveiled at a date yet to be announced via Prophecy Productions. In 2019 and 2022 respectively, Slagmaur dropped the effort's first two phenomenal singles, "Wildkatze" and "Ritual Dogs." In August, Slagmaur posted the excellent Hulders Ritualet outtake "Rathkings." Slagmaur has kindly allowed us to listen to an unheard Hulders Ritualet track in advance, and we can vouch that it is absolutely superb — pure hypnotic perfection.
Hulders Ritualet will, of course, feature Mr. Ruch. Over the years, Ruch has conspired with Slagmaur in various capacities. He has provided advice, his expertise in the studio, and so forth. Ruch actually appears as the cloaked individual in the stunning photo that was used for "Wilkatze." True Slagmaur fans know that Ruch is also the second figure from the left on the cover of their sophomore record, Von Rov Shelter (2009). If you are wondering why these images are so magnificent, it is because General Gribbsphiiser is an excellent photographer and filmmaker. He has teased a documentary about the mysterious Varghiet Forest, which inspired Hulders Ritualet's songs. We hope to see it soon!
This June, Slagmaur officially revealed that they inked a deal with the celebrated Prophecy Productions. Thus, Prophecy will be handling Hulders Ritualet's release. In September, Slagmaur astonished their label as well as international audiences by delivering a killer set at Prophecy Fest in Balver Höhle, Germany. The current calendar year has proved an eventful time for Slagmaur: This Fosen-based gang has also managed to rock, or rather terrorize, America, England, and their native Norway.
The eccentric Slagmaur team has earned much acclaim for their outrageous performances. This dangerous group has hanged their victims from nooses and burned them alive on inverted crucifixes. Needless to say, Slagmaur has managed to steal the show at major music events time and time again. After their infamous 2017 slot at Oslo's Inferno Fest, Eternal Terror penned: "This will go down as one of the most extreme live shows ever performed…" As at Inferno and also at Ceremonia Nidrosiæ pt. 1 in Trondheim, Slagmaur promises to carry out yet another special "mass execution" in Belgium. Stay tuned to find out more about the havoc these tyrannical masters of chaos will wreak at Unholy Congregation with Snorre Ruch's Thorns! 
