by Eduardo Rivadavia
Khold is a Norwegian black metal band characterized by a primal, old-school sound (reminiscent of Darkthrone) and an unusual tendency towards mid-paced tempos, rather than the genre's ever popular blastbeats. Formed in Oslo, in the year 2000, by vocalist/guitarist Gard (real name Sverre Stokland), guitarist Rinn, bassist Eikind (nee Lars Eric Si) and drummer Sarke, Khold made their debut the following year with the album Masterpiss of Pain, released by Moonfog Records. Three more albums followed: 2002's Phantom, 2003's Mørke Gravers Kammer, and 2005's Krek (plus an EP called De Dødes Tjern) -- all featuring second bass player Grimd, but the group subsequently went on indefinite hiatus so that its members could explore other projects.