A German black metal band that formed in the North Rhine-Westphalia area in 2001, Helrunar started out as a trio -- Skald Draugir on vocals, Alsvartr on drums, and Dionysos on guitar -- but wound up as a duo after the guitarist's departure in 2008. Their first release, 2003's Gratr, was a self-released affair that led to a deal with Lupus Lounge (which resulted in a 2004 split LP with Nachtmahr). The label released the group's next effort, 2005's Frostnacht, as well. In 2008, Helrunar returned to the metal world's consciousness with their third full-length, Baldr ok Iss, on Prophecy. ~ Chris True