John Thomas Bratland, known as Jontho, the drummer for the Norwegian black metal band Ragnarok, has died at 48 from cardiac arrest. He also played with groups including Taake, Tsjuder, Kharon, and Fester. The news has prompted condolences from the music community.
John Thomas Bratland, better known by his stage name Jontho, served as the drummer for Ragnarok, a prominent Norwegian black metal band formed in 1994. His death at the age of 48, attributed to cardiac arrest, was announced on December 22, 2025. Throughout his career, Jontho contributed to several influential acts in the black metal scene, including Taake, Tsjuder, Kharon, and Fester.
Ragnarok's early years featured Jontho in its original lineup alongside bassist Jerv, guitarist Rym, and vocalist Thyme. The band released its debut demo, 'Et Vinterland i Nord,' shortly after forming. In 1995, they signed with Head Not Found Records, which put out their first full-length album, 'Nattferd.'
By 1996, dissatisfaction with the label led to negotiations for a better deal, extending their contract for two more albums and causing them to turn down an offer from Century Media after a show in Oslo. Their second album, 'Arising Realm,' arrived in 1997 and included keyboard work from Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir. Ragnarok hit the road for the first time in 1998, playing eight dates in Denmark and Germany, plus the Blood Log Festival in Leipzig.
The band's third album, 'Diabolical Age,' was recorded toward the end of 1998 and finished in late 1999, seeing release in 2000. Around this time, vocalist Thyme exited, replaced by Astaroth, while Sander briefly joined as a second guitarist before being let go for not fitting the group's dynamic; Lord Arcamous stepped in soon after. In 2000, Ragnarok toured briefly with Swedish band Satanic Slaughter, after which Astaroth left due to challenges in the role. Lord Arcamous handled vocals temporarily for the 2002 album 'In Nomine Satanas' on Regain Records, before Hoest from Taake took over that year.
Jontho's passing leaves a void in the black metal world, with sympathies extended to his family, friends, and bandmates.
