Countess

Countess is a black metal band from the Netherlands], formed in 1992. They have released around a dozen full-length CDs, and are considered one of the most eminent Dutch black metal bands.   Countess was formed in 1992 by Vercingetorix (keyboards, backing vocals) and Zénon (vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards), both big fans of Bathory. A first demo, Permafrost, was recorded in the same year, after which Orlok joined (formerly of Death Camp, Fleshlord, Fallen Temple, Forgotten), though the band would fall apart soon after recording The Gospel of the Horned One with the band. The demo was recorded at the winter solstice in a barn, with Orlok on vocals and bass, Zénon on guitar, and Vercingetorix on drums and keyboards. The recordings were released in 1993 on Thurisaz Productions, a label started by Orlok. The CD was reviewed in Terrorizer No. 11, which commented on the primitive sound of the music: "This sounds like it could have been recorded back in the mists of 1983, so primitive and primal is its feel."   In 1993, Orlok recruited Between 1993 - 1997, they have gone through numerous lineup changes. They also played live in that time period, but since 1998, they have not had a stable lineup, because of which they have rarely played live.