Orthanc started playing Black metal in 1995. It was formed by Adanedhel (vocals & guitar) and Maréchal Glaurung (drums). During 1995, Orthanc has had many musicians... but none stayed in the band. There was lucas (synths), Lord Alberic (guitar), L.Ankou (bass), Daalberith from In Articulo Mortis (bass), and some others... Orthanc" s inspiration came from medieval BM bands like Summoning, Satyricon... but finally the band founded its own style. At that time, Black Metal was not a trend yet. There were not so many bands to play that kind of music with a true and sincere spirit. Adanedhel and the Marechal splitted in 1997, everyone wanted to do something different with orthanc. So the band stopped to exist during 6 years. In 2003, the Marechal decided to reform Orthanc. svallnacht (Valsblut) came and recomposed some old tracks. Together they recorded "7 ans de réflexion" (out on Korosiv prod for the tape version and Musique & Tradition for the MCD). In june 2004, helped by 3 session musicians, they played live in Switzerland with Blessed In Sin and Seigneur Voland. Orthanc is now composing for a split tape with the cult RAC-metal band Ultimatum.