Darkthrone is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1987. They began as a death metal outfit under the name of Black Death.

The band was formed in Kolbotn, Norway in 1987 as Black Death. The band released several demo cassettes and was subsequently signed to Peaceville Records on a four-album contract. After changing their name to Darkthrone, the band released their first full-length album, Soulside Journey in 1990.

After the recording of their next album “Panzerfaust” (1995), Zephyrous (Ivar Enger) left the band, supposedly disappearing into misanthropy, although he did not perform on either “Transilvanian Hunger or Panzerfaust”. (The band states that Zephyrous's last musical contribution was Under A Funeral Moon).

Their next release, “Total Death” (1996), was recorded with lyrics from various Norwegian musicians of the time.

In 1997, Darkthrone released the “Goatlord” album. The “Goatlord” album was a rehearsal tape recorded between Soulside Journey and A Blaze In The Northern Sky which was scrapped after the band had changed its sound (although this album was unlike any other Darkthrone album in style or purpose, neither death metal or black metal, and exhibited a sound/music style that would only come to pass in many years time). Drummer Fenriz and Satyr (of Satyricon) added vocal tracks to the recording in 1994.

In 2000, “Plaguewielder” came roaring back with the "necro" style of production. Darkthrone were becoming comfortable with their "new" evolution and direction, one which would follow on into their next albums. The importance of holding onto the old ways and fans, and too stubborn to evolve them, was, as always, the least of their worries.

After a long break, Darkthrone released the album “Hate Them” in 2003. Going even further back to their "necro" roots and sound than the two previous albums, “Hate Them” was a more repetitive and "straight up" release , once again influenced highly by Celtic Frost.

In 2004 they released “Sardonic Wrath”. Even beyond previous works, this was considered the true return to their old form, and would almost dictate the future style and progression of the band over the next release and singles.