Today (21st), the black metal community suffered the tragic loss of Ragnarok‘s legendary “Jontho,” John Thomas Bratland. We are both shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Jontho’s passing at just 48, as he was a true keeper of the black flame. Jontho will be fondly remembered for his pioneering role in the darkest genre of them all, which is often referred to as Norway’s biggest export. This legendary figure served as Ragnarok’s original drummer but later rejoined the group as their charismatic frontman.
Founded in 1994, Ragnarok unleashed their historic first album, Nattferd, in 1995 on Head Not Found — a label run by the revered Metalion of Slayer Mag. Nattferd ranks among the movement’s strongest debut efforts. Through his music, Jontho brought glory to Norway and entertained international audiences with milestones like Blackdoor Miracle (2004), which features Hoest of Taake on vocals and can certainly be described as one of black metal’s most exhilarating records. Hardly anything compares to the level of lethal yet reinvigorating “Psychopathology” contained within Jontho’s releases.
Jontho participated in a number of other bands through the years, such as Endezzma, The Shining Woe, Perdition Hearse, Kharon, Excelsis, Shadow Dancers, and Thoth. With Tsjuder, he performed on the unbelievably great classic Demonic Possession (2002). As a live weapon, he demonstrated his prowess with Taake and Fester.
As we express our gratitude to Jontho for his service to the militant art form, we must also take some time to honor Ragnarok’s late bassist, Jerv, who died in a car accident in 2017.
