UPDATE: Readers have told us that Snorre Ruch and Rune Krieghr Røstad are reportedly safe, and the Fosen Folket report may be inaccurate. Treat the following story with caution.
Norwegian authorities are searching for black metal figures Snorre Ruch of THORNS and his friend Rune Krieghr Røstad—better known as General Gribbsphiiser of SLAGMAUR—who have been reported missing following a hiking trip in central Norway, Fosen Folket reports.
Røstad shared a photo of the pair on Facebook earlier this week, captioning it as a “boys’ hike and night under open skies” in the Varghiet forests of Fosen, Trøndelag. Since then, neither of the men has been heard from, raising concern among friends, family, and fans alike.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact route the pair took. The Varghiet region is known for its rugged terrain and limited accessibility, which has complicated the search. Police have begun extensive search operations and released photos and descriptions of both men to the public. The incoming storm adds further urgency to the rescue efforts.
The Red Cross is retracing the planned route, which the men estimated would take approximately seven hours and forty minutes to complete. According to investigators, Ruch and Røstad intended to head inland toward Tussbotna, cross the water at Teksdalsdammen, and spend the night there before continuing to Torsenget for photography the following day.
The parked car at Tjønnstua, however, has raised questions. The shortest route would have been to start from Elveng. The fact that the car is parked here may indicate they chose a different path—perhaps via the old ski lift and up toward the Varghiets forests, before possibly crossing the road at Nordelven, said incident commander Lein.
Tracking the men has also proven difficult. “One does not have a registered mobile phone, while the other’s phone was found between the seats in the car that was unlocked at Tjønnstua,” Lein added, highlighting the challenges faced by the search teams.
Both musicians are highly respected in the Norwegian black metal scene. THORNS, despite releasing only one full-length album in 2001, remains a cornerstone of the genre’s second wave. Ruch, also known as Blackthorn, briefly played with MAYHEM and has guest appearances with SATYRICON. Meanwhile, Slagmaur gained notoriety for their theatrical live performances, most recently appearing at the 2023 Unholy Congregation Festival in Belgium with their infamous “Execution Show.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.