Runemagick Official Website

Biography

Runemagick was formed in the early 90s from the creative vision of Nicklas Rudolfsson. Initially, it was more of a solo endeavor, but soon Robert Pehrsson (of Death Breath and Studio Humbucker fame) joined as a permanent member. In its formative years, the band explored various styles, blending elements of death, doom, and black metal. Influences from legendary acts like Bathory, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, and Candlemass shaped their early sound. Robert departed after a few years, and since then, Runemagick has seen a revolving door of members.

Often categorized by fans as a fusion of death and doom metal, Runemagick's musical style defies strict genre labels. For them, it's about playing the music that resonates with them and embodies the essence of Runemagick.

Over the years, the band has released numerous albums, ranging from their debut, "The Supreme Force of Eternity" which was essentially a collection of re-recorded early tracks, to more offerings like "Enter the Realm of Death" and their latest release "Beyond the Cenotaph of Mankind" which came out via Hammerheart Records in 2023. When asked to highlight one album from each decade, Nicklas Rudolfsson himself singles out "Enter the Realm of Death" (1999), "Darkness Death Doom" (2003), "Into Desolate Realms" (2019), and "Beyond the Cenotaph of Mankind" (2023) as particularly noteworthy.

At times, there have been periods of lower activity over the years, but the band has never disbanded or ceased to exist. Despite facing challenges and fluctuations in momentum, Runemagick has remained intact, preserving their unity and dedication to their craft.

The history of Runemagick can be divided into several distinct eras:

Era I (Early 90s)

Runemagick's earliest era was a formative period, beginning as a one-man project led by Nicklas Rudolfsson. During this time, Nicklas handled most of the creative and recording duties. The project soon evolved into a duo with the addition of Robert Pehrsson (later known for Death Breath and Studio Humbucker), who became a permanent member for this era. The band recorded several more or less official demos and performed a handful of live shows, exploring a variety of styles and influences from Bathory, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, and Candlemass. This period laid the foundation for Runemagick’s unique sound and paved the way for future experimentation.

Era II (Mid-90s)

In the mid-90s, Runemagick entered a more structured phase with the release of a series of unofficial demos and their first three albums, including "The Supreme Force of Eternity" (compilation of re-recorded early demo tracks). The band performed live more frequently and even embarked on a tour. While the lineup shifted during this time, Nicklas remained the central creative force, recording approximately 95% of all instrumentation in the studio.

Era III (2000–2007)

Around the year 2000, Runemagick began a new chapter with a lineup that rehearsed actively and contributed to the creative process. This period saw the release of albums like "Requiem of the Apocalypse" and "Dawn of the End" (2007), as well as a more consistent live presence, particularly in the earlier years of the era. The sound evolved, and the band solidified its identity within the death - mid-tempo - doom genre.

Era IV (2008–2017)

Following 2007, Runemagick entered a period of dormancy, often described as a shadowed hibernation. Although Nicklas continued to write music during these years, no new material was publicly released. This era was marked by introspection and silence, with the band’s official activities paused.

Era V (2017–2023)

Runemagick returned to the forefront in 2017, initiating a resurgence that led to the recording of three full-length albums, including "Evoked From Abysmal Sleep" (2018), "Into Desolate Realms" (2019) and "Beyond the Cenotaph of Mankind" (2023). "Beyond the Cenotaph of Mankind" was recorded during multiple sessions and at various locations (Studio Humbucker, Abysmal Noise Studio) from 2021 to 2022. The lineup featured Nicklas Rudolfsson on guitar and vocals, Emma Rudolfsson on bass, Daniel Moilanen on drums, and Jonas Blom on guitar. The album was mixed and mastered by Johan Bäckman at Raven Noise Studio.

Era VI (2024 and beyond...)

As of now, Runemagick finds itself at the beginning of what might be its final era. While the duration of this phase remains uncertain, the band’s dedication to its craft endures, continuing to expand its legacy with each new step.

As for what the future holds, only time will tell.

Runemagick, December 2024