Darkthrone: Pre-Historic Metal (Purple Marble Vinyl)

In a year which marks the 40th anniversary since the initial formation – under the moniker of Black Death – of what would subsequently grow into influential genre legends, 2026 marks the return of the legendary Norwegian duo of Fenriz and Nocturno Culto.

Darkthrone’s Pre-Historic Metal contains eight tracks of primal epics and gargantuan riffs featuring an organic sound and the ever-present spirit of the 1970s and 1980s.

This chapter in Darkthrone’s extensive and ongoing catalogue presents a vast odyssey through the sonic landscapes of Thrash, Black, Heavy and Doom Metal all adorned with a punishing “in your face” guitar presence. Nodding to the writing methods indicative of their earlier works of the late 1980s, but with a more refined craft.

“Prehistoric is a loose term. I just figure it’s our VIBE, our take on things and it’s more a statement that we use old style to create something new.” – Fenriz

Recorded at Chaka Khan Studios, Oslo, with production work by Ole Øvstedal, Silje Høgevold & Mads Luis. Mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door, and Maor Appelbaum Mastering.
‘Pre-Historic Metal’ contains eight tracks of primal epics & gargantuan riffs with organic sound & the ever-present permeating spirit of the 70’s & 80’s, for a new continuation of the mastery witnessed on 2024’s ‘It Beckons Us All’. This next chapter in Darkthrone’s extensive & ongoing catalogue presents a vast odyssey through the sonic landscapes of Thrash, Black, Heavy & Doom Metal &, adorned with a punishing & “in your face” guitar presence, Darkthrone stirs the cauldron of savage creativity with a nod to the writing methods which were indicative of their earlier works of the late 80’s, but with a more refined craft.

Fenriz has said the title is meant as a statement of vibe rather than literal history, basically an old style used to create something new. That tells you everything you need to know about where Darkthrone are at in 2026. This is not nostalgia for its own sake. It is two lifers still making records that sound like they were forged out of tape-trading culture, basement amps, and total devotion to metal as a way of life.