The 3rd And The Mortal – The 3rd And The Mortal

The 3rd And The Mortal is a pioneering Norwegian melancholic/gothic/doom band hailing from Trondheim. They were one of the first bands which dared to blend doom metal`s heaviness with ethereal female vocals and progressive influences. The band was founded in 1992, and founding members guitarist Geir Nilssen, guitarist Finn Olav Holthe, guitarist Trond Engum, drummer Rune Hoemsnes and vocalist Kari Rueslåtten, were ready to unleash the band`s only demo in 1993.

A few months ago, Darkness Shall Rise Productions continued its reissue campaign by re-releasing the band`s only demo for the very first time on LP, CD and tape. This jewel-case CD comes with a 24-page booklet containing a long and detailed new lengthy interview with Kari Rueslåtten about the early days of the band, conducted exclusively for this current reissue.

Tracklist for The 3rd And The Mortal:

1. Grevinnens Bønn
2. Autopoema
3. Ring Of Fire
4. Death Hymn

The 3rd And The Mortal’s self-titled re-issue of the band’s first demo also includes a bonus track named “Autopoema”. This particular song was recorded at the same time as the other songs, but not included on the original demo makes its first appearance as a bonus. Their early work, including this demo, is especially distinguished and highlighted due to a world-class voice/enchanting and delightfully charming soprano of Kari Rueslatten, that would show to be essential to their early identity.

The sound on The 3rd And The Mortal is firmly in the realm of melancholic doom/folk/gothic, reminiscent of the likes of Theatre of Tragedy and Nightwish, and countless later acts that would follow the same formula. The demo`s four tracks feature superb-, yet rather complex songwriting, and already showcase all the trademarks of The 3rd And The Mortal’s sound. Furthermore, on this remastered demo (by Patrick W. Engel at ‘Temple of Disharmony‘), the quintet successfully blend heavy, slow and almost suffocating riffs, distorted guitars, heavy drumming paired with ethereal/enchanting/clean/haunting and emotional vocals of the aforementioned Kari Rueslåtten – creating a pioneering melancholy sound that bridged death/doom with atmospheric & melancholic artistry.

I would recommend The 3rd And The Mortal for younger fans of a melancholic doom & gothic metal, to vitness how these five young Norwegians set themselves apart and carved out their own unique niche from the very start. For older worshippers of the genre, this lavish re-release enables you to travel back in time and trace the beginning of this unique band`s journey.

For further information on this particular re-release by DSR visit their bandcamp or just enjoy in this magnificent and timeless piece of music below.