Norwegian black metal warriors RAGNAROK have announced that vocalist (former drummer) "JONTHO" (JOHN THOMAS BRATLAND) died 12/21/2025 at 48, no cause of death has been given.
RAGNAROK have announced guitarist
IHIZAHG BJARKAN and bassist MARK VARGBLOD AZZOPARDI have left the band.
RAGNAROK unleashed "NON DEBELLICATA", 11/15/2019 via AGONIA RECORDS.
FROM MORK:
R.I.P Jontho. Had many great and fun times with him over the years. I was even asked to fill in on bass for Ragnarok for one show a decade ago. Sad to hear about the passing of a fellow Østfolding.
FROM METALOPOLIS:
Aside from Ragnarok, Jontho participated with bands like Tsjuder, Kharon, and many more.
FROM PATRICIA THOMAS:
Sadly time to say goodbye to another old friend and colleague and a Black Metal drumming icon. I thought Ragnarok would never die, and it won't because it will live long in our memories. Farewell Jontho Panthera. Wherever you are, give them hell with your blastbeats.
Below, please find an official statement regarding the passing of Jontho Panthera. In order to respect the family's wish for privacy, all updates and information will be released by Hans Fyrste)
Ragnarok's Jontho Panthera has crossed over into the unknown.
He was our brother. He was our Friend.
We salute him as a warrior and a pioneer
Thank you Jontho Panthera for the paths you opened for others to follow.
FROM DE PROFUNDIS:
Last night we received the devastating news that our dear friend Jontho (John Thomas Bratland) of Ragnarok has left us.
De Profundis' first European tour back in 2010 was with Ragnarok and we couldn't have asked for better touring mates, we hit it off with them straight away. Jontho was a real force of nature with a cheeky naughty smile, always up to some kind of mischief. One night we're all chilling on the tour bus and we get a call from Jontho, turned out the bus driver had left him accidently at the previous petrol station.
When he told us he was thinking of swapping his drum sticks for the microphone, after the initial laughter we all realised actually this could work. Shoi got a chance to tour with Ragnarok again when he was playing in Monument of Misanthropy, by then Jontho had become a bonafide powerhouse black metal frontman.
RIP bro, you will be sorely missed. Keep collecting for the king up there.
FROM CULT NEVER DIES:
Rest
in peace Jontho / John Thomas Bratland, best known as the central
protagonist of veteran Norwegian black metal band Ragnarok, and who had
also contributed to various other respected bands, including Perdition Hearse and Tsjuder. Another gone too young.
FROM BLACK METAL PROMOTION:
With great sadness I have found out that John Thomas Bratland aka Jontho of the great Ragnarok is no longer among us. He has left us yesterday at the age of 48. I've been
a fan of Ragnarok from the start, when Nattferd was released. To this
day it's one of my all time favorite black metal albums. RIP Jontho!
FROM TAAKE:
Evig hyllest
Evinnelig savn
FROM MARDUK:
Jontho.
FROM MORTIIS:
RIP Jontho @ragnarokhorde
FROM IN AETERNUM:
Another old friend have crossed over to the other side, John/Ragnarok. Journey well and we will see you later. FTW666
FROM AGONIA RECORDS:
In Memoriam: John Thomas Bratland (1977–2025).
Death is a moment when sound falls silent, yet its echo remains. On December 21st, 2025, the metal community lost John Thomas Bratland, who passed away at the age of 48. Born on September 21st, 1977, his life was deeply connected with music that confronted darkness, mortality, and the raw truths of existence.
Known for his work with Ragnarok, John Thomas Bratland was part of a legacy that shaped extreme metal not only as a genre, but as a form of expression that dares to look directly into death without fear. His presence, creativity, and dedication left a lasting mark on those who listened, worked alongside him, and followed his artistic path.
As stated by the label Agonia Records, his passing is a profound loss for the underground music scene. Yet his work remains—etched into recordings, performances, and the memories of listeners worldwide. Death may have closed a chapter, but it cannot erase the resonance of a life devoted to art.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-