I find the timing to be just right to talk a bit about Swedish blacksters Dark Funeral, given the chance of their two upcoming shows in Greece.
Formed in 1993, during the second wave of Black Metal in Stockholm, Sweden, by Lord
Ahriman (Mikael Svanberg) -who is the only remaining founding member of Dark Funeral- and Blackmoon (David Parland). Teaming up with Themgoroth (bass, vocals) and Draugen (drums), they released their debut self titled EP in the spring of 1994 by Hellspawn Records. It was recorded at Unisound Studios owned by legendary producer Dan Swano. This release was meant to play a big part on the bands future and on the Black Metal movement in general. It includes classic tracks such as “Open the Gates” and “My Dark Desires”. Their style is extreme yet melodic; a style that they kept on their first full length releases while their lyrics send anti-Christian and Satanic messages, a theme that is profound on their work up until today.
The same year, they will sign with No Fashion Records, and start working on material for their debut full length release. It will take 2 whole years; “The Secrets of the Black Arts” will be recorded twice, since the band wasn’t satisfied with the recording they did at Unisound Studios, so they re-recorded it at Abyss Studios own by the infamous Peter Tagtgren of Hypocrisy. For many, this would be considered their finest piece of work, including gems such as the title track which they filmed a video clip for, and “Where Angels Forever Die”, “The Dawn no more Rises” etc.
And then we reach the point that the bands course shall take a different turn. Many line-up changes will leave Lord Ahriman as the only founding member in the band. With their new line-up they will enter Abyss Studios again to record their second full length album “Vobiscum Satanas” in which they will keep their typical style with a more modern production. Emperor Magus Caligula spits his anti Christian lyrics, something that he will continue to do until 2010.
In 2000 they will release an EP with covers of classic metal 
tracks but also a new track of their own called “An Apprentice of Satan”. Next year finds Dark Funeral releasing their third album “Diabolis Interium” in which their sound becomes even more extreme. In 2003, one more line-up change will bring Chaq Mol as their second guitarist. Chaq will also be in their live album called “De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine” that was recorded during their South American tour. A year later they will re enter the studios for their 4th full length release “Attera Totus Sanctus” which will feature their typical extreme and noisy sound.
In 2009 they are releasing “Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus”, an album that has a different approach since Dark Funeral are slowing down their tempo in some songs. Highlight of this album is “My Funeral” that they filmed a video for.
And here we are today, this year, the Swedes, after long absence from the studios, presented their new album “Where Shadows Forever Reign” with Heljarmadr of Gra on vocals. With this release, Dark Funeral brings back memories of their early days while adding elements of the modern Black Metal scene. Just by looking at the kickass artwork –a creation of Necrolord- you’ll understand the direction they are taking.
This year finds Dark Funeral in great shape with their new release being a great chance for them to tour the Balkans. Luckily, they make a stop in our country (Greece), for two shows. Fans of the Swedes will be able to enjoy their live shows in Thessaloniki at December 10 along with Carach Angren (Netherlands) and in Athens at December 11 with Carach Angren but also with Hour of Penance (Italy) and The Unconfessed (Greece).