Norway

While simultaneously making a name for himself in Norwegian progressive metal band Conception, bassist/guitarist/vocalist Ingar Amlien started a black metal side project called Crest of Darkness with keyboardist Lars Christian Narum and drummer Nils H. Maehlum. The trio released 1996's Quench My Thirst EP and 1997's Sinister Scenario LP in quick succession. For their third effort (and first since Conception's breakup), 1999's The Ogress, Crest of Darkness expanded to a quintet that also featured vocalist Kristin Fjellseth, keyboardist Jan Petter Ringvold, and former Conception drummer Arve Heimdal. More changes were in store for 2000's aptly named Project Regeneration, including the arrival of new guitarist Akke and the band's first live dates. After a protracted silence, CoD were back to a trio (Amlien, Akke, and drummer Kjetil Hektoen) for 2004's Evil Knows Evil. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia