Trond Bråthen

Trond Bråthen (28 May 1977 – 13 May 2012), also known by the stage names Trondr Nefas and Alastor Nefas, or simply as Nefas, was a Norwegian singer-songwriter, guitarist and bassist. Despite being primarily known for his work as the vocalist and lead guitarist of black metal group Urgehal, which he founded in 1992 alongside Thomas "Enzifer" Søberg,[1] he had numerous other projects as well, such as Beastcraft (in which he performed as "Alastor Nefas"), In Lingua Mortua, Endezzma (formerly known as Dim Nagel) and Angst Skvadron. In all of those side projects he collaborated with fellow musician and former Ásmegin member Lars Fredrik Frøislie.

Trond Bråthen
Bråthen performing with Urgehal at the Metal Mean Festival in Belgium, 2011
Background information
Also known as	Trondr Nefas Alastor Nefas
Born	28 May 1977 Hønefoss, Buskerud County, Norway
Died	13 May 2012 (aged 34) Hønefoss, Buskerud County, Norway
Genres	Black metal
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist
Instruments	Vocals, electric guitar, bass
Years active	1992–2012
Labels	No Colours Records, Flesh for Beast, Agonia Records, Season of Mist
Associated acts	Urgehal, Beastcraft, In Lingua Mortua, Angst Skvadron, Endezzma

On 13 May 2012 (nearly two weeks before his 35th birthday), Bråthen was found dead at his home.[2][3] According to his Urgehal bandmates, he most probably died of natural causes in his sleep. On the following day they released a statement via their record label, Season of Mist:

The greatest is gone. Trondr Nefas, our dearest friend and companion for more than 20 years, suddenly passed away last week. He died a peaceful and natural death at one of his favourite places, surrounded by woods and crystal lakes. Thanks for all the years with friendship, music and madness. For the good times and the bad times. Through your dark devotion for black metal, you have inspired so many. You were a true pioneer. We will miss you, but never forget you, because your legacy will live on. Our deepest sympathy goes to Trond's fiancée Octavia, and both of their families. We appreciate all of the condolences and support given to us after his tragic death. Sammen var vi dynamitt!!![4]

Prior to his death Bråthen was working on a documentary about the Norwegian black metal scene, entitled A Black Metal Year in Norway. Originally slated to a 2012 release, his death prevented it from being finished and released. (A very rough cut of the film is available at YouTube though.[5]) Around the same time Urgehal began work on their seventh studio album, Aeons in Sodom, which remained unfinished until 2016 – it was eventually finished with the help of numerous guest musicians and released on 12 February.

He is survived by his brother, Thomas Bråthen, and by fiancée Octavia.

Discography

With Kvist

• 1996: For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike

With Urgehal

For a more comprehensive list, see Urgehal#Discography

• 1997: Arma Christi
• 1998: Massive Terrestrial Strike
• 2001: Atomkinder
• 2003: Through Thick Fog Till Death
• 2006: Goatcraft Torment
• 2009: Ikonoklast
• 2016: Aeons in Sodom (posthumous)

With Beastcraft

• 2005: Into the Burning Pit of Hell
• 2007: Baptised in Blood and Goatsemen

With in Lingua Mortua

• 2007: Bellowing Sea – Racked by Tempest
• 2010: Salon des Refusés

With Angst Skvadron

• 2008: Flukt
• 2010: Sweet Poison

With Endezzma

• 2012: Erotik Nekrosis

References

1. "Urgehal « Biografier « Rockheim" (in Norwegian). Rockheim.no. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
2. URGEHAL Founder Trond "Trondr Nefas" Bråthen Passes
3. "Urgehal Frontman Trondr Nefas Dies at 35". Loudwire.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
4. Season of Mist
5. A Black Metal Year in Norway

External links

• Trond Bråthen on Facebook