Immortal - Call of the Wintermoon demo 1991 7" Vinyl Single

Immortal's 1991 demo "Call of the Wintermoon" offers a glimpse into the raw beginnings of one of Norway's most iconic black metal bands. Despite receiving an unofficial vinyl release in 2003, the demo embodies the underground spirit of its time.

Historical Context

The early 1990s were a crucible for Norwegian black metal. The genre's second wave was gathering momentum, characterized by lo-fi production, ferocious blast beats, and an intensely anti-establishment ethos. "Call of the Wintermoon" captures Immortal during this formative stage, their sound rough yet undeniably powerful.

Musical Exploration

The demo's tracks, like "Suffocate the Masses" and "Enslaved in Rot," showcase primitive yet gripping black metal. Abbath's vocals are guttural and unhinged, a stark contrast to his later signature rasp. The guitars churn out tremolo-picked riffs, while the drumming is relentless. While lacking the polish of later Immortal releases, this demo pulsates with raw, untamed energy.

Controversies

Like many of their peers, Immortal reveled in black metal's transgressive spirit. The band's lyrics delved into themes of blasphemy and darkness, provoking outrage from those outside the scene. These elements, while shocking, were fundamental to black metal's identity during the era.

The Players

Recorded at the Gamle Slaktehuset studio, "Call of the Wintermoon" features the early Immortal lineup. Abbath (Olve Eikemo) delivers his unhinged vocals and frantic guitar work alongside Jørn Inge Tunsberg on guitar, Gædda on drums, and Harald Nævdal (Demonaz) contributing artwork.

Frontman in the Making

While Abbath would become Immortal's undisputed frontman, this demo offers a glimpse of his early vocal style, one far removed from the icy rasp he'd become known for. Yet, his unyielding intensity is already present, a sign of the black metal icon he would become.