Formed back in March of 1997 in Kristiansand, Norway, the band have since then changed their musical style pretty drastic. Starting as a three piece, and with songwriters into the more updated metal scene, two demos were released. The original lineup consisted of Yngve (drums), Bernt (guitar) and a chap naming himself Paul Malachai (also on guitar). Paul backed out in 1998, and the band saw a new recruitment in the form of Bernardo (bass). In the summer of 2000 Teo (vocals) was secured a week prior to booked studio time. The EP '1' was a fact, and Tonka started to form a new direction. They called it thrash metal played the Motörhead way. Following the EP was a self financed album; '...this present darkness...' which was recorded and shopped around as well as heavily spread throughout the underground.

... this present darkness... (2000, 2002) metal age

Tonka are a pretty unique sounding band. It's not that they have reinvented metal in any way. But the combinations of sub genres they mix together makes them sound different that most others. Imagine a band equally influenced by bands such as Kreator, Slayer, Iron Maiden and Manowar. What you get is a hybrid of thrash and heavy metal. Add a dose of power, and maybe even some goth influences, and you might get the idea. The vocals are also very atypical for the thrash genre. They are raw ands harsh, but yet very distinguished and almost melodic. Another atypical thing about them is the fact that they are from Norway, yet they are signed to a label in Slovakia!! So the CD itself might be a little difficult to get hold of. '... this present darkness...' was first released by the band themselves, but my version is the re-release on Metal Age, that includes a remastered version of the song "One" (originally released as "1" on their first demo/EP). I find the album to be quite enjoyable now and then. I wish there were more memorable songs on it though. And I bet the bands next effort will be even better.

Killer tracks: Pornochild, The Murder