Origin: Kristiansand, Norway  
Genres: Gothic Metal
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Last update/review: June 7, 2024

Trail Of Tears

Formed in 1994 (originally under the name Natt), Trail Of Tears was one of several (mostly) Norwegian bands in the symphonic gothic metal arena, utilizing both male death-ish and female soprano vocals (Theatre Of Tragedy is the traditional standard for such bands, though better reference points here might be labelmates Tristania or The Sins Of Thy Beloved). Their style features several of the trademarks of the genre: lush orchestrations, keyboard/guitar interplay, and grandiose arrangements. There's nothing to fault here, as the musicianship and songwriting are quite well developed, though it has to be said that there's not a lot on offer that others (such as the aforementioned bands) haven't done as well. Some bands transcend metal genres, and Trail Of Tears probably isn't one of them, but they are an accomplished band and their work is recommended to atmospheric/gothic metal fans. Unfortunately personal differences have plagued the band throughout the years -- first, an announced breakup in 2006 later clarified by band leader Ronny Thorsen as "everyone else left, I'm continuing the band with new members" (which he did), and later, more troubles between Thorsen and vocalist Cathrin Paulsen that underscored the bands' next breakup following 2013's Oscillation. A revamped lineup featuring both older and newer members returned to action in 2020.

Recent album: Winds Of Disdain, released on May 24, 2024.

Current Members

Ronny Thorsen

vocals (ex-Scariot)

Pilar Giménez García

vocals (ex-Sirenia)

Runar Hansen

guitars (Chain Collector)

Nicolay Johnsen

guitars (Zerozonic)

Endre Moe

bass (Dimension F3H)

Jonathan Perez

drums (ex-Sirenia)

Former Members/Guests

Helena Iren Michaelsen

vocals

Cathrin Paulsen

vocals

Kjetil Nordhus

vocals (ex-Chain Collector, Green Carnation, ex-Subterranean Masquerade, ex-Tristania)

Terje Heiseldal

guitars

Bjørn Erik Næss

guitars

Pål Olsen

guitars

Kjell R. Hagen

bass

Frank Roald Hagen

keyboards

Cato Jensen

drums (Dimension F3H)

Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow

drums (Borknagar, TrollfesT)



Discography


Disclosure In Red  
1998 DSFA
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Helena Iren Michaelsen
  • Runar Hansen
  • Terje Heiseldal
  • Kjell R. Hagen
  • Frank Roald Hagen
  • Jonathan Perez



Profoundemonium  
2000 DSFA
  1. Countdown to ruin
  2. Driven through the ruins
  3. Fragile emotional disorder
  4. Profoundemonium
  5. Sign of the shameless
  6. In frustration's preludium
  7. In frustration's web
  8. Released at last
  9. Image of hope
  10. Disappointment's hope
  11. The haunted
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Helena Iren Michaelsen
  • Runar Hansen
  • Terje Heiseldal
  • Kjell R. Hagen
  • Frank Roald Hagen
  • Jonathan Perez



A New Dimension Of Might  
2002 Napalm
  1. Ecstatic
  2. A Fate Sealed in Red
  3. Crashing Down
  4. Obedience in the Abscence of Logic
  5. Liquid View
  6. Denial and Pride
  7. The Call of Lust
  8. Splendid Coma Visions
  9. BloodRed Trance
  10. Caffeine
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Cathrin Paulsen
  • Runar Hansen
  • Terje Heiseldal
  • Kjell R. Hagen
  • Frank Roald Hagen
  • Jonathan Perez



Free Fall Into Fear  
2005 Napalm
  1. Joyless Trance of Winter
  2. Carrier of the Scars of Life
  3. Frail Expectations
  4. Cold Hand of Retribution
  5. Watch You Fall
  6. The Architect of My Downfall
  7. Drink Away the Demons
  8. Point Zero
  9. Dry Well of Life
  10. The Face of Jealousy
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Kjetil Nordhus
  • Runar Hansen
  • Terje Heiseldal
  • Kjell R. Hagen
  • Frank Roald Hagen
  • Jonathan Perez



Existentia  
2007 Napalm
  1. Deceptive Mirrors
  2. My Comfort
  3. Venom Inside My Veins
  4. Decadence Becomes Me
  5. She Weaves Shadows
  6. The Closing Walls
  7. Empty Room
  8. Poisonous Tongues
  9. As It Penetrates
  10. Shades of Yesterday
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Kjetil Nordhus
  • Runar Hansen
  • Kjell R. Hagen
  • Jonathan Perez



Bloodstained Endurance  
2009 Napalm
  1. The Feverish Alliance
  2. Once Kissed By The Serpent (Twice Bitten By Truth)
  3. Bloodstained Endurance
  4. Triumphant Gleam
  5. In The Valley Of Ashes
  6. A Storm At Will
  7. Take Aim.Reclaim.Prevail
  8. The Desperation Corridors
  9. Farewell To Sanity
  10. Dead End Gaze
  11. Faith Comes Knocking
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Cathrin Paulsen
  • Bjørn Erik Næss
  • Pål Olsen
  • Endre Moe
  • Cato Jensen



Oscillation  
2013 Massacre
  1. Waves of Existence
  2. Scream Out Loud
  3. Crimson Leads on the Trail of Tears
  4. Oscillation
  5. Path of Destruction
  6. Vultures Guard My Shadow
  7. The Dawning
  8. Room 306
  9. Our Grave Philosophy
  10. Lost in Life
  11. Eradicate
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Cathrin Paulsen
  • Bjørn Erik Næss
  • Endre Moe
  • Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow



Winds Of Disdain  EP
2024
  1. Winds of Disdain
  2. Take These Tears
  3. No Colours Left
  4. Blood Red Halo
  • Ronny Thorsen
  • Pilar Giménez García
  • Runar Hansen
  • Nicolay Johnsen
  • Endre Moe
  • Jonathan Perez




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