The Cave of Gurthang

The Story of The Black Sword

° First Era
° Second Era
° Third Era
° The Origin of Gurthang

First Era (III 2001- I 2002)

At the vernal equinox of the year 2001AB, the Belgian metal band 'Ecliptica' decided to change its name into 'Gurthang'. The main reason for this change was the departure of Ecliptica's last original member. The remaining members also thought 'Gurthang' suited better to the style they play: black/death metal.

Enuresor Brek Myvatn Arneriach Waut Arez

The founding members of Gurthang were Arez Angelfire (guitars), Arneriach (gurthroath), Brek (guitars), Myvatn (drums) and Enuresor (keys). With this line-up a promo-cd was recorded in spring, entitled 'The Avenger'. In the summer of that same year bass-player Waut filled the last gap. Gurthang was ready to play at full-strength again, and they did! In fall they played live with Ancient Rites, Oceans of Sadness, Axamenta, Ashmolean, … to name but a few.

The gig in JH de Wommel (see picture above) was recorded on mini-disc and later released by UK-based UG-label Christcrusher Productions, entitled 'The Thrill of Live Magick'.

Winter 2001-2002 would be spent to record Gurthang's debut, a full-album entitled 'The Irony of Death. Chronicles of a Magical Vengeance and an Inevitable Death', a real fantasy concept-story. Unfortunately problems arose while recording and one by one Myvatn, Enuresor and Brek left the band to concentrate on other/new projects (Battalion & Axamenta).

Second Era (IV 2002 - I 2005)

The remaining members still believed in their mission and immediately recruited fresh blood to strengthen their ranks again. Drummer Bram and guitarist Tony filled the gaps and Gurthang re-invented itself. In the autumn of 2002 they played their first gigs in months and Gurthang proved again to be a healthy band with a sound of its own. The new songs, like 'Eternal Loss' and 'Soulskinned' showed a less hectic and aggressive, but a more melodic and organic sound.

Alas, misfortune struck again as drummer Bram decided to quit in late 2003. All members agreed that the story couldn't just end like this and a final gig was confirmed: Tartaarfest I in November 2004. So after almost a year reahearsals took place again and the gig went fine, although Bram missed his personal drumset. Some weeks later this Gurthang-clan would meet for the last time to record its legacy 'Unfinished Tales'.

Third Era (X 2004 - now)

Meanwhile Phil and Arne sought for suitable members once more since they wanted to go back to the roots of Gurthang, black metal. Some musicians were interested and so a new life for Gurthang was in the making. Right now the band is still in preparing-mode. Hopefully soon ready for battle...

The Origin of Gurthang

Gurthang is a part of JRR Tolkien's fantasy-world. It is the name given by Túrin Turambar to the black sword Anglachel after its reforging in Nargonthrod. The exact meaning is 'Iron of Death'.

'Hail Gurthang! No lord or loyalty dost thou know, save the hand that wieldeth thee. From no blood wilt thou shrink.'
From the last words of Túrin; JRR Tolkien, Quenta Silmarillion 21 Of Túrin Turambar.