Named after the historic valley surrounding Jerusalem, which became the Hebrew picture of hell, Gehenna rose to notoriety as one of Norway’s most influential black metal bands.

In January 1993, the group was originally formed by vocalist/guitarist Sanrabb, bassist Dolgar, and drummer Sir Vereda. Following their first demo, Black Seared Heart, Sir Vereda left the band and was replaced by Dirge Rep. At this time the band enlisted Svartalv as bass player.

Under Necromantic Gallery Productions, Gehenna put out their first EP, Ancestor of the Darkly Sky, in 1994. Signing with No Fashion Records that year, they entered the studio to record an album, but it was cancelled due to lack of funding. From this event, three songs were featured on the re-release of the Black Seared Heart demo via Holycaust Records.

Their performance at the Zonen concert led to their appearance on the Norwegian black metal documentary Det Svarte Alvor. In 1994, Sarcana joined the band. Signing with both Head Not Found and Cacophonous Records, the first label released their EP, First Spell, while the second released Gehenna’s first full-length album, Through the Veils of Darkness, in 1995.

After releasing their second album, Malice, in 1996, Svartalv left the band. Noctifer replaced him, but he himself was soon replaced by E.N. Death. Gehenna performed at the Under the Black Sun festival and toured Europe with contemporaries like Marduk and Mysticum. Sarcana and Dirge Rep both left the band in 1997, being replaced by Damien and Blod. Gehenna signed with Moonfog Productions, releasing their album Admiron Black in 1998, the year that Damien left.

Gehenna started the new decade with their album Murder and performed in Mexico City. E.N. Death left the band, then Nekro joined and left them. Amok and Kine joined Gehenna, and Blod left and was ultimately replaced by S. Winter. After Dolgar’s return to the band in 2004, recordings took place for their subsequent album, WW, which was released in 2005. Gehenna has performed at Zone Trondheim, Thunder Road, the Inferno Metal Festival, and Codevilla, among others.

With the departure of S. Winter and Kine, Gehenna signed with ANP Records in 2006. Dirge Rep returned, and Martin joined, both as live session members. In 2007, Dirge Rep became a full-time member again. The band performed with Mayhem at Folken. In 2008, Gehenna signed with Indie Recordings, and the following year, Skinndød replaced Amok as guitarist. In 2012, Slaktaren replaced Dirge Rep.

Their latest album, Unravel, was released to favorable reviews in 2013. Dolgar left after the album was finished and was replaced by Byting, with Sanrabb taking the vocal spot.