THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL were a Norwegian experimental metal band, founded in Trondheim, in 1990. The band started out as a melodic death metal band, shifting to doom metal, mixing distorted guitars and heavy drumming with clean guitars and vocals. The band went on to experiment with genres such as progressive rock, jazz, ambient, folk and electronica.
THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL were one of the forerunners of the atmospheric metal scene. Being among the first to have a female lead singer, they inspired bands such as THE GATHERING, FLOWING TEARS and NIGHTWISH.