GORTHAUR'S WRATH

Gorthaur’s Wrath is a long-standing Croatian black metal band formed in 1998 in Rijeka (some sources cite nearby
Kutina) by vocalist Morbid, the only remaining founder in the current lineup. Their name references Tolkien’s
world—it’s borrowed from Gorthaur the Cruel, an earlier name for Sauron.
Kutina) by vocalist Morbid, the only remaining founder in the current lineup. Their name references Tolkien’s
world—it’s borrowed from Gorthaur the Cruel, an earlier name for Sauron.
Early Years & Demos (2000-2002)
- Ancient Darkness (demo, 2000): A raw, old-school black metal recording laid down in Studio Castrum and rehearsal
rooms. Produced by Morbid (vocals), Insanus (drums), Dirgloch, and Leviathan (both on guitar and bass). - Unleash Hell (demo, 2001): A ten-track demo continuing the anti-Christian black metal direction. Recorded in
Dungeon Studios with guest vocals by Gogy on “Divine Darkness Icon.” Personnel still included Morbid, Insanus,
Dirgloch, Leviathan, and L.P.
Concert. - Paroxysms of Madness (demo, 2002): The third demo, about 32 minutes long, acclaimed for tighter songwriting and
technical aggression, cementing their reputation in the Croatian black metal underground.
Full-Length & Later Releases
- Ritual IV began as a 2008 promo-EP (two tracks) before becoming a full album released via Casket Music in 2011.
- War for Heaven (2013): Their second full-length on Eternal Sound Records, praised by Metal Temple with a 9/10 for
its savage, Swedish-Norwegian influenced sound, particularly tracks like Dawn of a New Race and The Lucifer
Rebellion .
Musical Style & Themes
Gorthaur’s Wrath’s sound fuses raw, early-’90s Norwegian black metal with technical aggression and death metal
grit. Their lyrical focus is firmly rooted in satanism, anti-Christian themes, darkness, madness, and apocalyptic
visions. Critics compared their style to WATAIN, NECROPHOBIC, MARDUK — all while maintaining a unique signature
grit. Their lyrical focus is firmly rooted in satanism, anti-Christian themes, darkness, madness, and apocalyptic
visions. Critics compared their style to WATAIN, NECROPHOBIC, MARDUK — all while maintaining a unique signature