Arcturus

[Sarah]

A fixed star of the first magnitude in the constellationBoötes.

[Sarah]

Progressive/Black Metal band.

[Sarah]

A Norwegian avant-garde metal band. Arcturus formed in 1987 as a black metal band named Mortem, founded by keyboardist Steinar Johnsen, Jan Axel Hellhammer Blomberg (Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir), and bassist/vocalist Marius Vold. in 1994 Marius left the band and was replaced by bassist Hugh Mingay, vocalist Kristoffer Garm Rygg (ex-Borknagar, Ulver), and guitarist Carl August Tidemann.
Arcturus released their first album Aspera Hiems Symfonia in 1995. Aspera was the only true black metal album Arcturus would release, yet still contained the experimental elements which would later define Arcturus' unique sound. Soon after it's release Tidermann left the band and was replaced by Knut Magne Valle.
In 1997 Arcturus released their breakthrough record, La Masquerade Infernale. Infernale was a huge step away from the doom/black metal sound of Aspera, shifting to a more definitive avant-garde style, incorporating eerie carnival organs and lyrical themes revolving around classical theatre and literature. La Masquerade Infernale also saw the first appearance of Simen ICS