Who Is Fenriz? Age, Biography and Wiki
Fenriz, whose real name is Gunnar Eriikson, was born on November 28, 1971, in Oslo, Norway. As of 2025, he is 53 years old. Fenriz is renowned as the drummer and one of the founding members of the black metal band Darkthrone, which has significantly influenced the genre since its inception in 1986. Over the years, Fenriz has also gained recognition for his contributions to the underground music scene, not just as a musician but also as a music curator and promoter.
| Occupation | Metal Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1971 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country |
Popularity
Fenriz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Fenriz stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a weight of around 160 pounds (72 kg). Known for his rugged appearance that fits well with his musical style, his body measurements include a typical build for a musician, striking a balance between fitness and artistic persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fenriz is a private individual in personal matters. As of 2025, he is currently not publicly known to be in a relationship. There has been speculation about his dating life, but he has primarily kept details about his romantic life away from the limelight. Fenriz’s focus remains on his music and artistic expression, and he often emphasizes the importance of privacy regarding his family and relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
Fenriz has accumulated an impressive net worth estimated to be around $1.5 million by 2025. His earnings primarily come from music sales, performances, and his involvement in the black metal scene. As the face of Darkthrone, he has not only garnered a dedicated fan base but has also made significant income through various related ventures in music and merchandise.
Career, Business and Investments
Fenriz's career has been marked by his role as a pioneer in the black metal genre. Alongside his work with Darkthrone, he has collaborated with many underground musicians and bands, exploring various musical styles. He has also engaged in projects outside music, including music journalism and promoting underground bands, which has contributed to his standing in the music community. Investments in music-related ventures and endeavors in merchandise also contribute to his income.
Gylve Fenris Nagell (born Leif Nagell; 28 November 1971), known professionally as Fenriz, is a Norwegian musician, part-time music journalist and online radio host (with the show "Radio Fenriz") who is best known as being one half of the black metal duo Darkthrone, alongside Nocturno Culto.
Although primarily a drummer and songwriter, he has also played bass and guitar and performed vocals for Darkthrone and several other metal bands. Fenriz is famed for his encyclopedic knowledge of metal music, his eager promotion of underground bands and the DIY ethic, and his rejection of the "showbiz side of the music industry".
Fenriz was also the studio drummer for doom metal band Valhall, and has had several solo projects, including the folk black metal project Isengard and the dark ambient project Neptune Towers.
Social Network
Over the years, Fenriz has maintained a limited but active presence on social media platforms. He often uses these platforms to connect with fans, share music recommendations, and promote underground bands. He can be found on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where he shares glimpses into his life and his passion for music. His loyal fan base appreciates his straightforward approach and genuine love for the genre.
In 2016, it was widely reported that Fenriz had been elected to his local municipal council, Oppegård. He was elected for a four-year term as a substitute councillor for the Liberal Party, explaining that he would "have to step in when the usual people who go to the big meetings are sick or something".
Fenriz said: "They called and asked if I wanted to be on the list [of backup representatives]. I said yeah, thinking I would be like 18th on the list and I wouldn't really have to do anything". His "campaign" was a photo of him holding his cat with the caption "Please Don't Vote For Me".
Education
Fenriz’s formal education details are less publicly known, but he has indicated that his musical journey began at a young age. His passion for music and self-directed learning through extensive exploration and experimentation in various musical styles has shaped him into the artist he is today. His continued engagement with music theory and history showcases his commitment to his craft.
Fenriz's first exposure to heavy metal music came when he was a child and received Uriah Heep's album Sweet Freedom from his uncle for his birthday. At age 16, Fenriz dropped out of school and began working full time to support his music. In 1986 he co-founded the death metal band Black Death with Ivar Enger and Anders Risberget.
By 1988 they had been joined by Ted Skjellum (Nocturno Culto) and were renamed Darkthrone. After releasing their first death metal album in 1991, the band changed style and became one of the leading bands in the early Norwegian black metal scene.
Fenriz said he had a passive interest in Bathory and Celtic Frost, but claims that he did not understand the "darkness" of black metal until hearing a song by the Hungarian band Tormentor.
The second album released by Darkthrone, A Blaze in the Northern Sky, recorded in August 1991 at Creative Studios but not released until February 1992, is regarded as one of the most important albums that defined the black metal genre.
Darkthrone were not involved in the church burnings and murders carried out by some other members of the scene, and Fenriz has denounced the "hype" surrounding it.
