Formed in 1986 under the name Black Death, Darkthrone was initially influenced by Cryptic Slaughter and Celtic Frost. After initially having a problem choosing a musical direction and, according to drummer Gylve Nagell, the band could not even play their instruments, they developed into a death metal band. In early 1987, Ivar Enger became a member of the band, which renamed itself Darkthrone in late 1987; the name is inspired by the Celtic Frost title Jewel Throne and Blackthorn magazine published by members of the Danish band DesExult. Ted Skjellum joined the band in early 1988 and their first demo, Land of Frost, was released that same year. 1989 followed the Thulcandra demo, first performances and the Cromlech demo. After signing a four-album deal with English label Peaceville Records, the band debuted there with the album Soulside Journey in 1990. Until then, they remained true to the Scandinavian style of death metal; however, after demo recordings for a second album had already been made, the band fell out with the style. (Source: Wikipedia.de)