THE CULT 2004 ALBUM OF SUPREME BLACKENED THRASH FROM THE NORWEGIAN PIONEERS. Norway’s Aura Noir was formed in 1993 by Aggressor & Apollyon in pursuit of a more thrash-based form of black metal than much of what was coming out at the time – particularly in their homeland – citing bands such as Slayer, Sodom & Kreator as inspirations along with purveyors of the scene such as Venom, for a dirtier, stripped down, violent black/thrash metal sound. Their first official release was the ‘Dreams Like Deserts’ EP on Hot Records in 1995, followed by the genre classic ‘Black Thrash Attack’, and from there-on Aura Noir has become a leading act of the scene. Aura Noir, consisting of revered members of the Norwegian scene known from other acts such as Mayhem, RUïM, Ved Buens Ende, Coffin Storm, & Dødheimssgard, developed a strong underground fan base over the years through relentless live work and unwavering dedication to the dark and ugly thrash of the old masters of the 80s. ‘The Merciless’ was the band’s brutal 2004 masterpiece, and the first release on Darkthrone’s Peaceville imprint, which was known as Tyrant Syndicate.
