Update: We have received reports from readers suggesting that Snorre Ruch and Rune Krieghr Røstad are safe, indicating the initial Fosen Folket report may be inaccurate. Please treat the details of the following story with caution.
According to Fosen Folket, authorities in central Norway are searching for black metal musicians Snorre Ruch of Thorns and his friend Rune Krieghr Røstad, known as General Gribbsphiiser of Slagmaur, after they went missing during a hiking trip in the Varghiet forests of Fosen, Trøndelag.
Earlier this week, Røstad posted a photo of the two on Facebook, describing their plans as a “boys’ hike and night under open skies.” Since then, neither has been heard from, prompting a coordinated search effort.
The area they ventured into is difficult to access, and investigators are still unclear about the exact route the men took. Complicating matters, a storm is approaching the region, putting additional pressure on rescue teams. Authorities have released photos and descriptions to the public in hopes of gathering information.
Investigators say the hikers planned to head inland toward Tussbotna, cross the water at Teksdalsdammen, and spend the night there before moving on to Torsenget for photography work. However, their parked car was found at Tjønnstua, leading authorities to speculate they may have taken a different route, possibly via the old ski lift and through the Varghiet forests, before crossing the Nordelven road.
Tracking the men has been challenging. One does not have a registered mobile phone, while the other’s phone was left in the car. The Red Cross is following the planned hiking route, which is estimated to take around seven hours and forty minutes.
Ruch and Røstad are well-known figures in the Norwegian black metal scene. Thorns, despite releasing only one full-length album in 2001, is considered a cornerstone of Norway’s second-wave black metal. Ruch, also known as Blackthorn, briefly played with Mayhem and contributed to Satyricon, while Slagmaur is known for their theatrical live performances, most recently appearing at the 2023 Unholy Congregation Festival in Belgium.
Authorities continue their search and urge anyone with information to come forward as the weather conditions worsen.
Top image credit: Fosen Folket
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
