Gehenna

Gehenna was formed in Norway in January 1993 as a nameless project by Sanrabb (guitar, vocals), Dolgar (guitar, vocals) and Sir Vereda (drums). They didn't give the band a name until they had enough material which would represent their voice. In May of the same year, the trio entered the studio to record the demo "Black Seared Heart". It was recorded in Soundsuite Studios, released 1993 and limited to 100 copies. Two tracks from the demo were taken and released on a 7", "Ancestors of the Darkly Sky", and released by Dutch Necromantic Gallery Productions same year. Shortly after the releases Sir Verada ended up in prison and the band had to look for a new drummer. They found Dirge Rep and also a new bass player by the name Svartalv. In January 1994 the band entered the studio to record their first full-length album, but it was cancelled. Three 'raw' songs from the recordings were later re-recorded and released on future albums. The old versions were also released on the re-release of "Black Seared Heart" on Holycaust records in 1996. In 1994 the band also performed live for the first time. A person at the show was very impressed and got in contact with the band. Sarcana (keyboard) was recruited. With a new member the band once again entered the studio and recorded the MCD "First Spell" which was released by Head Not Found. The band was eventually signed to English Cacophonous Records. "Seen Through the veils of Darkness" was released in 1995 and featured Garm of Ulver as guest vocalist. After the release Svartalv had to move to Oslo. Due to that, he was unable to stay with the band and left and instead he joined a band called Nokturnal Breed. The band had to look for a new bass player and found Noctifer. But as they entered the studio the hectic schedule became too much for Noctifer and he had to leave. He was replaced by E.N. Death (122 Stab Wounds). "Malice" was the result and was released 1996. The band went on some tours before recording their next album. But as they returned they had lost two members. Sarcana who felt she didn't have anything left to offer to the band musically and Dirge Rep because he and Sanrabb couldn't get along well, they argued too much. Dirge Rep later joined Enslaved and Sarcana was replaced by Damien. Sanrabb had heard of a drummer called Blod and wanted to test him. The band rehearsed with him and they were very satisfied and he became a full-time member. The bands style had changed more towards Death Metal. They released a limited edition single called "Deadlights". Along with the single the full-length album "Adimiron Black" was released in 1998 by Moonfog. The album also had 2 guest appearances by Sarcana. In 2000 the band released another album, "Murder". In late May 2001 the drummer Blod was fired from the band.