"The big picture, the universe, makes large frames for all of them.
So it was for Minas Tirith, who in 1989 stole their name from Tolkiens poetic parrallels to the conflicts and irrationalities of this world.
A world whose borders are still undiscovered by man, and by no means understood, despite the fact that certain beings agitate the opposite. A perfect disharmony to the beauty of an evolving mystery. The tale of Minas Tirith, of Norway, all began on a small and peaceful village, not too far away from the place they call Oslo.
Mayhem came to town. In their luggage they carried Red Harvest and Death Mission, as support acts. They needed a local band too, and the newly born Minas Tirith was chosen.
Minas` first gig did not impress as much as the following acts of the night, though.
They where too young . The trio was still cheered by a few special friends, who,sadly, are dead now. Their journey went on, however. Two demos, "Tower of doom" and "While I hold the Devil`s hand", were recorded and released in the early nineties.
Financed through minimal means, like all their releases. Inspired by the trash/doom metal of the eighties and the american death metal of the era they still developed a different sound, seeking to unite their various influences into one band. Three very different personalities became one beast that would roar, but also be smooth and soft. Among norwegian bands, early Red Harvest was an influence through their superior musicianship as a band.
Early Darkthrone, before they changed direction, was also an influence.

The wave of norwegian black metal came, and Minas Tirith simply did not jump on this wagon, even though they knew that this would reduce their chances of reaching a larger audience.
They just continued to develop their signature sound, and their, slightly bizzare, lyrical philosophy, seeking the true magic that is found on far darker places than in the spotlight.

Minas is nothing but proud to see other local bands like Dimmu Borgir, OMC, and Susperia reach international success, but Minas could do nothing for themselves but follow their own nature.
They released two records on own label. The EP "Mythology" in 93, and the rather progressive "The art of becoming" in 96. "Demons are forever" was released on norwegian label FaceFront in 99. Their heaviest release, so far. The title refers to the paradox of black holes, among other things, and not the stubborness of the band, as some think.
They once again proved that there are no limits to the aspects of their music. Heavy or soft. Progressive or mainstream.
Everything is allowed in Minas Tirith. In 2001 they where once again chosen as support for the grand dragon, Mayhem, by will of their Minas-supporting guitarist, Blasphemer. A daring and brave choice by Mayhem, standing out as a dragon among wolfs and sheep, with a lion for support.
The circle was completed. The tie was knitted. Minas Tirith has only survived this long, litterary, because of their friends, a small but growing circle of devoted fans.

In august 2004 minas have released another recording, for the sake of their friends and fans only.
It is nothing less than their best release, to its date.

Source : minastirith.no