A glance at Thorns' discography might lead one to believe that they are just another new Norwegian black metal band, but that is hardly the case. Black metal they most definitely are, but new they are not, as Thorns are considered one of the forefathers of black metal (along with bands such as Mayhem and Darkthrone), releasing a cult underground demo by the name of "Grymyrk" before the whole Euronymous/Grishnacht fiasco transpired, and in fact Thorns founder Snorre Ruch's involvement in said fiasco is at least partially responsible, if not wholly responsible, for the band's inactivity in the years since. In any case, Ruch has finally rematerialized, with Thorns essentially a solo project of sorts, with several musicians well-known in the black metal community assisting on the first full-length Thorns release. Thorns, the album, is strikingly impressive, featuring a cold, stark, inventive guitar style from Ruch which is both unique and classically black at the same time. The style marries the best of early black metal with modern influences, somewhat similar to what recent Satyricon has attempted. Both black metal purists and those looking for something outside the traditional black metal boundaries should enjoy this album.

With a new lineup, work has now commenced on a second album.