Trail of Tears (band)

This article is about the Norwegian musical band, for the event in Cherokee history, see trail of tears.

Trail of Tears is a Norwegian gothic metal band originally formed in 1994 under the name of Natt. Through most of their career the band emphasised the use of constrasting soprano and death grunt vocals, but with the release of Free Fall Into Fear — in 2004 — the band switched this contrast mostly to tenor and death growls, with rare soprano passages.

History

The band's initial name was Natt, but in 1997 their name was switched to Trail of Tears, in order to reflect the evolution of their sound and the changes that had been made from their initial line-up. The first demo the band recorded was When Silence Cries..., which contained three tracks and was released in April of 1997. Guitarist Michael Krumins left the band and was replaced by Runar Hansen shortly thereafter.

The release of the demo lead the band to sign a contract for two albums with Dutch recording label DSFA Records. Their debut — Disclosure in Red — was released in that same year, and touring through Europe followed, alongside Tristania and The Sins of Thy Beloved.

Their second album, Profoundemonium, was released in 2000, and female vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen left the band soon after, being replaced by Cathrine Paulsen in May of that year. The band proceeded to play in Europe several times during 2000. In the following year they signed a three-album deal with Napalm Records. Their third release was entitled A New Dimension of Might and was produced by Terje Refsnes (producer of Tristania, Sirenia and Green Carnation), the album was release in 2002.

2003 marked the band's first international concert, in Mexico. Female vocalist Catherine Paulsen left the band, and male vocalist Kjetil Nordhus (ex-Green Carnation) joined Trail of Tears. This move prompted several changes in the band's sound, ultimately resulting in the 2004 album Free Fall Into Fear, which was markedly heavier than their previous albums. A tour with Tristania and Therion followed the album's release.

Line-up

Current members

Ronny Thorsen - Vocals
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Runar Hansen - Lead guitar
Terje Heiseldal - Rhythm guitar
Kjell Rune Hagen - Bass
Frank Roald Hagen - Synthesisers
Jonathan Perez - Drums

Former members

Ales Vik - Vocals in the initial line-up of the band, replaced by Helena Iren Michaelsen in 1997.
Helena Iren Michaelsen - Soprano vocals, left after Profoundemonium, replaced by Cathrine Paulsen.
Cathrine Paulsen - Soprano vocals, parted with the band after A New Dimension of Might, and was not replaced.
Vidar Uleberg - Drummer in the early line-up, replaced by Jonathan Perez.
Michael Krumins - Lead guitarist in the early line-up, replaced by Runar Hansen.

Discography

When Silence Cries... (Demo, 1997)
Disclosure In Red (1998)
Profoundemonium (2000)
A New Dimension of Might (2002)
Free Fall Into Fear (2004)

External links

Official web page

Norwegian heavy metal musical groups