After visiting Oslo and Bergen, it’s time for Zware Metalen to head to Norway’s third-largest city: Trondheim. Often dubbed “the Jerusalem of Scandinavia”, the city is home to the sacred shrine of Saint Olav in the Nidaros Cathedral, an important pilgrimage site. King Olav II, who brought Christianity to Norway, was canonised there in 1031. Following his death in 1030, a holy spring reportedly appeared at his grave. The cathedral also graces the cover of Mayhem’s legendary album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. And allegedly, Varg Vikernes and Euronymous once plotted to blow up the iconic building…
But far more interesting is that Trondheim is the beating heart of the Nidrosian black metal scene. Nidaros was the city’s name in the Middle Ages, when it served as Norway’s capital from 997 to 1217. The Nidrosian scene is a distinct and influential circle revolving around key figures such as Steingrim Torson Brissach, Azazil, Nosophoros, Luctus, J.E. Åsli, V. Einride, and many more. Since the early 2000s, this cohort has shaped a new mindset within black metal: dark, devotional and artistically uncompromising. It’s not about speed or aggression per se, but about ritual, atmosphere and spiritual intensity. Romantic evil, one might say.
In the past, the Nidrosian Black Mass brought together bands and fans, held not only in Trondheim but on occasion also in Brussels. Since 2022, this has evolved into Caerimonia Nidrosiæ (Latin for “the ritual of Nidaros”), a two-day festival now heading into its fourth edition. It is curated by the prestigious label Terratur Possessions, in collaboration with Byscenen, one of Trondheim’s oldest concert venues. Terratur Possessions, part of the Ván Records family, is outstanding for those who prefer their black metal to be morbid rather than slick. It’s a label our editors consistently check for reviews in our promo overview. The quality is simply guaranteed!
The recipe for Caerimonia Nidrosiæ is simple: six performances across two days. Six meticulously selected acts, sometimes with specially curated sets. This edition includes some unique highlights, most notably the Nidrosian Black Mass as Friday’s headliner, and an In Memoriam for Steingrim Torson Brissach closing Saturday. Not only original scene luminaries, but also specially invited guests will take part in this tribute.
The Nidrosian Black Mass performance is set to be steeped in nostalgia, with members of One Tail, One Head, Black Majesty, Kaosritual and Celestial Bloodshed on stage. So we might see Azazil, J.E. Åsli, ⷚ and Luctus in action. While One Tail, One Head plays sharp, biting black metal, Black Majesty delivers a rawer, more ambient sound. The latter is the brainchild of Azazil, also known as E. Blix in Vemod and Kvitrim in Djevel, who is joined live by J.E. Åsli (One Tail, One Head, Vemod, Jammerskrik), Øyvind Sundli (ⷚ in One Tail, One Head, Mare) and Luctus (Celestial Bloodshed, Mare, and Wraath in Behexen, Darvaza, Ritual Death, Night Shall Drape Us). The malevolent Kaosritual, with Azazil on drums and Luctus on guitar, transitioned into Dark Sonority in 2012 following the tragic death of vocalist and bassist Steingrim Torson Brissach.
The finale of Caerimonia Nidrosiæ pays tribute to this key figure in the Nidrosian scene. Steingrim played in or contributed to at least ten bands (according to my peek at Encyclopedia Metallum), including Castrum Doloris, Celestial Bloodshed, Grenjar, Jammerskrik, Kaosritual, Miseria X, One Tail, One Head, Selvhat and Unbeing. He passed away at just 25, fatally wounded by the accidental discharge of a firearm.
Photo by Ole Aune
His impressive legacy makes him a legend, one that deserves to be honoured. Terratur Possessions has already hinted at some of the artists participating in this special tribute, including Azazil, J.E. Åsli, ⷚ, Nosophoros (Dark Sonority, Mare, Ritual Death) and H. Tvedt (Dark Sonority, Celestial Bloodshed live, Kaosritual). If you want to dive deeper into the Nidrosian black metal scene, I highly recommend Ancient Black Art: Nidrosian Black Metal by Josh Brown, published by Cult Never Dies. The book is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Steingrim.
On Friday 16 January, the festival kicks off with Umbra Conscientia. You wouldn’t guess from their sound that this black metal band hails from tropical Costa Rica. Signed to Terratur Possessions, the band released their most recent album Nidregine Mundi (Latin for “the blackness of the world”) in 2022. They’re followed by another Terratur gem: Misotheist. Known for their epic-length songs and beautiful black metal, they’re a favourite in the underground but rarely perform live. Their last and only Benelux appearance was at Unholy Congregation in 2021. The next chance to catch them live is at the upcoming Nox Occultum festival in Tilburg on 20 September. So mark that one in your calendar!
Saturday 17 January draws again from across the Atlantic. Black Curse from Colorado brings their blackened death metal to the stage, having also played at Roadburn earlier this year. Their live shows are reportedly intense and visceral. Our colleague John the Savage previously wrote about their latest album Burning In Celestial Poison: “Black Curse sounds like a sickening cacophony of sheer malevolence.”
Lastly, Dold Vorde Ens Navn will make an appearance, a Norwegian supergroup featuring members of Ulver, Satyricon and Dødheimsgard. However, frontman Vicotnik announced his departure in February, and in May, the band issued a public call for a new vocalist. It’ll take some adjustment without Vicotnik’s commanding presence. I was already a fan of Dold Vorde Ens Navn, but after their Inferno 2023 performance, even more so. The success of their set at Caerimonia Nidrosiæ will largely hinge on the new singer, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
In addition to the traditional record fair hosted by Terratur Possessions, no visit to Trondheim would be complete without stopping by Rockheim. This is the national museum for pop and rock music, which naturally pays ample attention to black metal. We also asked J.E. Åsli during this year’s Samhain Antwerp for some recommendations when visiting Trondheim:
“You will see the nice parts of the city right away. It’s the Nidaros cathedral, the Bakklandet neighbourhood and the picturesque old town with cosy pubs and cafés. If you’re there for a while, I’d recommend to go outside of the city and see some of the rural areas. Go for a hike and enjoy the beautiful landscape.”
January may still seem a long way off, but the festival is already more than halfway sold out. So don’t wait too long and grab your tickets now!
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