History
Malediktum, a pioneering force in the black metal scene, was founded in 1982 by Blake Sawton and Dante Stavig in Norway. As a seminal band in the genre, Malediktum has left an indelible mark on the evolution of black metal music.
In the early 1980s, Norway's music landscape was primed for innovation. Blake Sawton and Dante Stavig seized this moment, co-founding Malediktum. Blake, a multi-talented musician, took on the roles of composer, lead guitarist, and lead vocalist, while Dante contributed as a composer and lead guitarist. Their collaboration set the foundation for a new era in black metal, characterized by intense, atmospheric sounds and dark, introspective lyrics.
During the band's formative year, their music quickly garnered attention for its raw energy and distinctive style. However, internal conflicts between Blake and Dante culminated in Blake's departure from the band in late 1983. Despite this setback, the band's legacy was already beginning to take shape.
After leaving Malediktum, Blake Sawton channeled his creative energy into forming a new band, Spellcaster, alongside Tim Arnesen. Spellcaster continued to explore the depths of black metal, further expanding the genre's horizons. However, Blake and Dante maintained a highly conflictual relationship, leading to frequent clashes between Malediktum and Spellcaster.
Tragedy struck on December 21st, 1992, when Blake Sawton, his fiancé, and the entire Sawton family were brutally murdered. The sudden and tragic death of Blake made it impossible for Tim Arnesen and their bandmates to continue playing in Spellcaster, leading to the band's dissolution before they could record their first album.
With Blake's exit, Dante Stavig assumed leadership of Malediktum, taking on the role of lead vocalist in addition to his duties as lead guitarist and composer. Under Dante's guidance, the band continued to evolve and solidify its place in the black metal pantheon.
The lineup during this period included Ohlin Groundswell on bass, who also provided backup vocals, and Thorin Ingmar on drums, contributing additional vocal support. This core group maintained the band's aggressive and haunting sound, ensuring its continuity and growth.
Following Blake's murder, Dante Stavig was put on trial after a photograph surfaced showing him leaving Sawton Manor early on the morning of the murders. Despite the suspicion and legal battles, Dante was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
In 1994, Tim Arnesen prosecuted Dante Stavig and Malediktum, claiming that Dante had stolen lyrics written for Spellcaster's first album. This legal dispute added further tension to the already fraught history between the two bands.
.png)
.png)
In 1993, Malediktum released their breakthrough album, Tales of the Death Prince. This album catapulted them to fame and spawned an entire dark fantasy universe centered around the Death Prince, and later the Death King, a character originally created by Blake Sawton in the 1980s. The album's success solidified Malediktum's status as a leading force in black metal.
The story of the Death Prince captivated fans with its intricate lore and dark, atmospheric storytelling. This creative universe was expanded with a sequel album in 2011, titled Dødskongens Retur ("Return of the Death King"), which continued the saga and deepened the mythology surrounding the character.
Following the success of Dødskongens Retur, Malediktum embarked on a world tour, culminating in the release of a live album in 2015, Dødskongens Legion ("Legion of the Death King"). This live album captured the raw energy and immersive experience of their performances, bringing the dark fantasy world to life on stage.
In 2017, the band released a compilation album, Shadow of the Death King, which featured a curated selection of tracks from their previous albums, along with rare and unreleased material. This compilation served as a retrospective of their work, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Death Prince/Death King narrative.
In 1995, Malediktum welcomed a new member, Matteus Stein. As the band's new composer, keyboardist, and rhythmic guitarist, Matteus brought a fresh dynamic to their music. He also contributed backup vocals on several tracks, enriching the band's vocal arrangements and broadening their sonic palette.
Matteus Stein led the band into a darker ambient sound with the first album he composed in 1997, Glemt: Forgotten Deities. This album explored Nordic mythology and paganism, marking a significant shift from their earlier work. In 2003, he furthered this pagan, dark ambient direction with Hendesk Oppvåkning. These changes in musical and fictional inspirations divided the fans into two groups: those who preferred Blake Sawton and the Death Prince universe, and those who liked Matteus Stein and his pagan universe better.
With Matteus's addition, Malediktum embarked on a new creative journey, incorporating more complex arrangements and expanding their musical boundaries. This period marked a significant evolution in their sound, blending the raw intensity of their early work with new melodic and atmospheric elements.
Malediktum is widely recognized as a foundational influence in the black metal genre. Their innovative approach and relentless creativity have inspired countless bands and musicians worldwide. Through lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes, Malediktum has remained steadfast in their commitment to pushing the boundaries of black metal, solidifying their legacy as true pioneers.
As they continue to create and perform, Malediktum's influence on the genre endures, and their music remains a testament to the enduring power and allure of black metal.