Cast:
It was the summer of 1995 that Kjetil Hektoen and Gunnhild Bratset, sharing a mutual taste in music and fascination for atmospheres shadowing the ancient times, began to talk of forming a band. Having played in various local acts before, they now sought another form of expression more true to what they wished to accomplish. A couple of rewarding rehearsals took place in the hometown of Sunndalsøra, and so the fundament was layed.
But nothing of any serious matter happened until october/november 1995, as the band moved to Oslo and again found a possibility for rehearsing. Later another member joined: Gunnleik "Ask" Fjellseth on bass, but unfortunately this was only for a brief period.
In March 1996 the band, having now found their name (the band existed under a different one earlier), prepared to record a four-track demo. A very good friend of the band, Thomas Kjørnes, handled the bass' duties for the recording. The demo, simply named "Demo 1996" was printed in an extremely limited number and distributed mostly among friends. Later that same year, two new members joined: Magnus Krogsveen (guitar) and Martin Løchsen (keyboards), but as summer closed in they both had to leave due to personal duties elsewhere. The two now have their own band going, though their bandname is unknown.
The line-up was now again consisting of Kjetil Hektoen and Gunnhild Bratset. They rehearsed heavily during the summer, as in August 1996 recorded a track in Hov Studio at Sunndalsøra, mainly because they wanted to hear one of the compositions in a full- scale studio sound. Pleased with the result, they later contacted Hot Records who featured Enthral studio track "Awaiting the Rise of the Forestgod" on the Hot Records compilation CD "The Rape of the Holy Trinity", among such bands as Dimmu Borgir, Covenant, Dødheimsgard, Old Man's Child etc. The CD was released in 1997. A record deal was offered from Hot Records, and Enthral then began to prepare for recording an album, having aquired a permanent member on bass, Martin Rafoss, who played a great part in composing the new music.
The album called "Prophecies of the Dying" was recorded at Stovner R.F studio in May 1997 (in 4 days!), and contains such tracks as "Salig er den som Lir", and "Prophecies of the Dying...."(parts I and II). Soprano vocals was handled by Ingrid Skretting (session member for "Prophecies of the Dying part II"). It was acclaimed with great critical reviews.
In the following months the band grew significantly, obtaining a second guitarist in Espen Simonsen (former member of the Death-Metal act "The Flesh", with which Kjetil had pounded the skins for a brief period, before they decided to call it a day.) Then the ex. Dimmu Borgir keyboardist Stian Aarstad joined, and now contributes with his superb abilities. With these two Enthral went into Frogner Lyd Studios to record their follow-up to "Prophecies of the Dying".
The album "The Mirrors Opposite End", containing tracks as the bombastic "When the Sky Touched the Earth", the melancholic "In Passion Swept" (again Ingrid on soprano vocals) and the atmospheric "Salvation Mother", was recorded in March 1998. As well as having almost 74 minutes of playing time, it also features an awesome cover and booklet.
The focus is still atmosphere, but other subtle aspects have found their way into the music of Enthral. The sound is more diverse, and each composition more distinct. Elements such as Black Metal, Heavy Metal, folk music, a special atmosphere and Doom Metal make the music that is unmistakeable Enthral. The lyrics, that cannot be overlooked as they are in a class of themselves, aren't to typical of the Black Metal genre, as you will find out.
Kjetil Hektoen - drums & percussion, voices
Martin Rafoss - bass & cello
Gunnhild Bratset - lead, rythm and acoustic guitars
Espen Simonsen - lead, rythm and acoustic guitars
Stian Aarstad - keyboards
Let the music carry through dreamscapes you've never envisioned before. Experience the atmosphere of Enthral.