It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to John Thomas Bratland, also known as Jontho Panthera from the Norwegian black metal band Ragnarok, who passed away peacefully on Sunday 21 December. The cause of death was cardiac arrest in hospital, his immediate family reports. He had for a long time struggled with long-term illness, which took its toll both physically and mentally.
John Thomas Bratland was 48 years old.
Jontho was a good man whom the entire Norwegian metal scene now mourns. He was someone who always had time for a chat or a toast in good company. As a musician, he co-founded Ragnarok in 1994 and was the only member to remain throughout. Until 2015 he was the band’s drummer, before taking over as vocalist. Jontho also played drums on Tsjuder’s “Demonic Possession” from 2002, and contributed to Kharon, Endezzma and Fester, to name a few.
In a Facebook post from 31st October 2023 Jontho writes “Ragnarok dies when I die!”.
Rest in peace, Jontho. You will be deeply missed.
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