‘Cromlech’ was Darkthrone’s final demo release before a deal was inked with Peaceville Records. The demo was recorded in 1989, with the line-up of Gylve Nagell (Drums), Ted Skjellum (Guitars/vocals), Ivar Enger (Guitars) and Dag Nilsen (Bass); a line-up which would remain in place for the revered ‘Soulside Journey’ and ‘A Blaze in the Northern Sky‘ albums. As well as the iconic ‘Cromlech’ demo itself this release also contains additional tracks from the Bootleg TV Oslo recordings in 1989, including a cover of Celtic Frost’s ‘Visual Aggression’ and a trio of instrumental tracks from a rehearsal tape originally made for Peaceville founder Paul “Hammy” Halmshaw, sent to him in 1990.
‘Thulcandra’, contains the first 3 releases under the name of Darkthrone, namely the ‘Land of Frost’ demo (1988), the ‘A New Dimension’ promo which was also released in 1988 (and first to feature the legendary early line-up of Gylve Nagell, Ted Skjellum, Ivar Enger and Dag Nilsen) and, last but not least, the ‘Thulcandra’ demo itself (1989). Combined together, this offers a clear demonstration of the quick development of a band very much in their aspiring, formative years, but with a growing maturity for their craft and already an eclectic sphere of influences.