The black metal world mourns the untimely passing of John Thomas “Jontho” Bratland, the iconic frontman of Norway’s legendary band RAGNAROK. He passed away on December 21 at the age of 48, leaving a profound void in the extreme metal community.
Renowned for his fierce dedication to the genre, Jontho was a driving force behind RAGNAROK’s dark and uncompromising sound, cementing his legacy as one of Norway’s most influential black metal figures.
Jontho’s journey in music began as RAGNAROK’s original drummer, but he would later return to the band as their commanding frontman, captivating audiences with his intense stage presence and unyielding energy. Beyond RAGNAROK, he lent his talents to numerous other acts, including ENDEZZMA, THE SHINING WOE, PERDITION HEARSE, KHARON, EXCELSIS, SHADOW DANCERS, and THOTH. He also left his mark on the classic TSJUDER album Demonic Possession (2002), and as a live performer, he delivered unforgettable shows with bands such as TAAKE and FESTER.
Tributes have been pouring in from the metal community. Thomas Eriksen, frontman of MORK, shared on social media: “R.I.P Jontho. Had many great and fun times with him over the years. I was even asked to fill in on bass for RAGNAROK for one show a decade ago. Sad to hear about the passing of a fellow Østfolding.”
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.