Olve Eikemo, widely known as Abbath, built a career as a versatile multi-instrumentalist within the Norwegian extreme metal scene. A founding member of the influential black metal group Immortal, he has consistently balanced work as a singer, guitarist, drummer, and bassist across various projects since beginning his career with the band Old Funeral in the late 1980s.
Early Career and Immortal
Born in 1973 in Odda, Eikemo grew up in Os Municipality. His early exposure to the band Kiss and the sounds of Venom and Bathory steered his creative development. In 1991, he founded Immortal alongside Demonaz. During the band's formative years, Eikemo managed vocals, bass, and studio drumming, contributing to albums including Pure Holocaust and Battles in the North. Following Demonaz's departure due to health issues in 1997, Eikemo expanded his role to include lead guitar. Despite a hiatus beginning in 2003, the group reunited in 2006 for tours and the 2009 release All Shall Fall. He officially exited the project in 2015 following disputes regarding the band's trademark.
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Beyond his work with Immortal, Eikemo explored different musical avenues. In 2003, he formed the band I, releasing the album Between Two Worlds in 2006. After his departure from Immortal, he launched a solo project under the name Abbath, releasing the records Abbath in 2016, Outstrider in 2019, and Dread Reaver in 2022. He also maintained a long-standing involvement with the Motörhead tribute group Bömbers, which he co-founded in 1996 and participated in until the group dissolved in 2024.
Equipment and Cultural Reach
Eikemo utilized a wide array of instruments throughout his career, including Rickenbacker and B.C. Rich bass guitars and various Schecter models. In 2017, he released the signature RavenDark V guitar. His on-stage aesthetic and corpse paint influenced the character design for Lars Ümlaüt in the Guitar Hero video game series. Additionally, he appeared in the 2008 documentary Until the Light Takes Us, which chronicled the early years of the Norwegian black metal movement.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Bergen, Norway
- Primary Occupations: Composer, singer, drummer, guitarist
- Notable Bands: Immortal, I, Abbath, Bömbers, Old Funeral
- Signature Guitar: Schecter RavenDark V
- Debut Year: 1989 with Old Funeral
- Departure from Immortal: 2015
Questions readers ask
Why did the 2019 South American tour end early?
The tour was cancelled after an erratic performance in Argentina, following which Eikemo announced his intent to enter rehabilitation.
Did Abbath play instruments other than the guitar in Immortal?
Yes, in the band's early years, he served as the lead vocalist, bassist, and studio drummer.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar, guitar and percussion instrument
- Genres: black metal, viking metal and thrash metal
