The Third and the Mortal are a Norwegian rock band from Trondheim, founded in 1992. The band started out as doom metal, mixing distorted guitars and heavy drumming with clean guitars and vocals from Kari Rueslåtten. The band went on to experiment with genres such as progressive rock, jazz, ambient, folk and electronica.

History

The pre-history of the band began in 1990, then known as Nightfall and playing melodic death metal, consisting of Rune Hoemsnes, Trond Engum, Geir Nilsen and vocalist Terje Buaas.

In 1992, Kari Rueslåtten replaced Buaas and, together with Jarle Dretvik and Finn Olav Holthe, they became The 3rd and the Mortal. <!--The band were one of the forerunners of the atmospheric metal scene having been one of the first to have a female lead singer. They inspired bands such as The Gathering, Flowing Tears and Nightwish. -->Their first EP, Sorrow, was released in 1994 followed by the album Tears Laid in Earth in 1994.

After Rueslåtten's departure in 1995, the band had Ann-Mari Edvardsen join as vocalist. With her, the band released full-length albums Painting on Glass in 1996 and explored an even more experimental sound in 1997 with In This Room.

After the departure of Edvardsen and an absence of five years, the band returned in 2002 with Memoirs, an album with recordings made during previous years. A new female vocalist was found in Kirsti Huke,

In late 2024, the band reunited with Kari Rueslåtten ahead of a 2025–2026 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the albums Tears Laid in Earth and Sorrow. The first concert announcement was Midgardsblot 2025.

Band members

Current

  • Kari Rueslåtten — vocals (1992–1995, 2024–present); keyboards (1992–1995)
  • Trond Engum — electric and acoustic guitars (1990–2005, 2024–present)
  • Geir Nilsen — electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, grand piano (1990–2002, 2003–2005, 2024–present)
  • Finn Olav Holthe — electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards (1992–2005, 2024–present)
  • Rune Hoemsnes — drums, keyboards, electronic percussion (1990–2005, 2024–present)
  • Bernt Rundberget — bass guitar (1993–1999, 2024–present)

Former

  • Frank Stavem — bass (2002–2005)
  • Andreas Elvenes — vocals (2002–2005)
  • Kirsti Huke — vocals (2002–2005)
  • Terje Buaas — vocals (1990–1992)
  • Jarle Dretvik — bass guitar (1992–1993)
  • Ann-Mari Edvardsen — vocals, keyboards (1995–1997)
  • Sander S. Olsen — keyboards (2002–2003)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • Tears Laid in Earth (1994)
  • Painting on Glass (1996)
  • In This Room (1997)
  • Memoirs (2002)

Singles

  • "Stream" (1996)

EPs

  • Sorrow (1994)
  • Nightswan (1995)

Demos

  • The 3rd and the Mortal (1993)

Compilations

  • EP's and Rarities (2004)
  • Project Bluebook: Decade of Endeavour (2005)

References

  • Official website