Archgoat

The founding members of Archgoat have known each other from the cradle. Literally. The band was formed in 1989 by twin brothers Rainer Puolakanaho (Lord Angelslayer) and Kai Puolakanaho (Ritual Butcherer). After roping in the drummer, Blood Desecrator, and working out their own stylistic formula, the band jumped head-first into recording. In 1991, they released a demo, Jesus Spawn, and the painfully furious black metal showcased there was enough to make their name known on the underground scene. Known widely enough that a year later they were asked to sign with Necropolis Records. Under Necropolis Records, the band released the EP Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration), which further stabilised their war metal sound, and then… they disbanded.

From 1993 to 2004, Archgoat did not exist, with the main reason behind its disappearance being the commercialisation of the black metal scene at the time. Not long after getting back together, the band started touring again and in 2006, they finally debuted a full-length record – Whore of Bethlehem. Of course, at the time of its premiere, the band members were no neophytes but refined and revered purveyors of the war metal contagion, enjoying an essentially cult status. The Finns have yet to lose their cult standing. They tour, they release new material, and the duo that started it all, the Puolakanaho brothers, is still kicking with their band. Archgoat’s latest album is the 2021 Worship the Eternal Darkness.