If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, then you know that Darkthrone is one of my favorite metal bands. Their work spans almost 20 years. While they started out as a death metal band, Darkthrone quickly became synononymous with the growing Norwegian genre of music called “black metal”. Multiple other people have worked with the band, but Fenriz and Noctorno Culto have been there from the beginning.

Nocturno Culto has been busy with Darkthrone’s current work and his side-project, Sarke, which is one of my favorite 2009 releases. To call Darkthrone “black metal” at this point in their career is questionable but with a logo designed by Tomas Lindberg of At the Gates, Darkthrone’s iconic presence in the world of metal is undeniable. As a side-note; if you’ve seen the Revival, you’ll recognize the song I used in my section embedded below.

When I saw this Bike Jerks shirt just now, it immediately made me think of Darkthrone.

This band has matured greatly over time. From their gritty, compressed and lo-fi Black Metal roots to their new punk and thrash inspired sound, these guys have proven that no metal is safe from experimentation. “Under a Funeral Moon” off the Under a Funeral Moon album.

Old School Pure Norwegian Black Metal. “Transilvanian Hunger” off the Transilvanian Hunger album.

After The Cult Is Alive came a major shift in the band’s sound, leading them to produce my favorite album. “F.O.A.D.” off the F.O.A.D. Album.

In 2008, the band released their newest album, which was way more crusty than anything else they had done. “Hiking Metal Punks” off the Dark Thrones & Black Flags album.

Now I am in no way trying to call-out Bike Jerks for ripping off the Darkthrone logo. The shirt just reminded me of their logo. There are clearly similarities and as a designer, you can’t deny your influences. Precedents come from our daily lives and Brad D. from Milwaukee clearly is a fan of the music.

Big ups to Jeff at Bike Jerks as he moves the blog into a brand.