Tchort

Terje Vik Schei, known professionally as Tchort, is a Norwegian musician who has left an enduring mark on both black metal and progressive metal. He first gained recognition as the bassist and backing vocalist for Emperor, one of the most influential bands in the genre's history. Today, he leads Green Carnation, guiding their evolution from death metal to a more expansive, progressive sound.

Beyond his work with these two groups, Tchort has lent his talents to Carpathian Forest, Blood Red Throne, Satyricon, and Einherjer, making him a versatile and respected figure in the Scandinavian metal scene. He also co-founded Sublife Productions, a record label and booking agency based in his hometown of Kristiansand.

As of 2026, Tchort remains active with Green Carnation, whose recent "A Dark Poem" trilogy has drawn critical praise. Fans admire his dedication to artistic integrity and his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. [edit]

Tchort was born on July 7, 1974, in Kristiansand, a coastal city in southern Norway that became a hotbed for the early 1990s black metal movement. Growing up in this environment, he was drawn to extreme music and the rebellious ethos that defined the scene. His early life was marked by a deep immersion in the local metal underground, where he played in various bands and honed his skills as a musician.

A pivotal and often-discussed chapter came in the early to mid-1990s when he was arrested for assault. This led to a two-year prison sentence, a period that shaped his personal trajectory before he fully established himself in the international metal community. Despite this setback, his commitment to music never wavered. In 1992, he was recruited to join Emperor as their bassist and backing vocalist, a move that would soon place him at the heart of the genre's most significant developments. [edit]

Tchort's professional journey is defined by his contributions to some of the most important albums in metal history. In 1994, he performed on Emperor's landmark debut, In the Nightside Eclipse, a cornerstone of black metal. He followed this with work on the band's second album, Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (1997), before departing the group, though he would later reunite for live shows.

After leaving Emperor, he deepened his involvement with Green Carnation, eventually taking over lead guitar and vocal duties. Under his direction, the band shifted from death metal to a more progressive and gothic style, releasing acclaimed records like Light of Day, Day of Darkness (2001) and A Blessing in Disguise (2003). In 2005, he co-founded Sublife Productions with fellow Green Carnation member Kjetil Nordhus, a label and booking agency that supported both his own projects and other artists in the scene.

In recent years, Tchort has remained active with Green Carnation, completing the ambitious "A Dark Poem" trilogy with Part I: The Shores of Melancholia (2025) and Part II: Sanguis (2026). This project has been praised for its conceptual depth and musical maturity, proving his creative vitality decades into his career. [edit]

Tchort embodies the classic black metal aesthetic: dark clothing, a stoic demeanor, and an air of mystery. In his Emperor days, he often wore pale makeup, but as Green Carnation evolved into progressive metal, his style matured into a more understated, rock-oriented look. He is viewed as a serious, dedicated craftsman who prioritizes artistic integrity over commercial success. Fans of his work are primarily followers of Emperor or Green Carnation; there is no distinct fandom name for Tchort himself. He maintains a low profile and does not have a prominent personal social media presence, letting his music speak for itself. [edit]

Tchort has never cultivated a distinct, named fandom of his own. The Norwegian black metal scene of the 1990s operated on a different frequency than modern pop culture, where loyalty often belonged to the collective mythos of the genre or specific bands rather than individual members. Fans of Terje Vik Schei generally identify as followers of Emperor or Green Carnation, viewing Tchort through the lens of those groups rather than as a solo icon with a dedicated cult following. There are no recorded fan campaigns, organized rituals, or community-funded projects dedicated solely to him. His legacy is defined by the band's history and the turbulent era surrounding the recording of *In the Nightside Eclipse*, a period marked by legal troubles that led to his departure from the group. He largely retreated from public view after his imprisonment, avoiding the direct fan interactions common in later decades. This distance reinforces his image as a serious craftsman who prioritized artistic integrity over commercial visibility. While he remains a respected figure among enthusiasts of extreme metal, his audience lacks the formal structure or enthusiastic branding seen in mainstream music. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). Consequently, no numerical rank or score can be assigned to his global fame at this time.[edit]

The stage name Tchort derives from the Slavic word for devil, appearing as Чёрт in Russian, Čert in Czech, and Czort in Polish, chosen to align with the dark themes central to black metal. A versatile multi-instrumentalist proficient on bass, guitar, and vocals, he transitioned seamlessly into leadership roles within Green Carnation as their sound evolved. His career was interrupted by a two-year prison sentence for assault in the early 1990s, a detail frequently cited in interviews to reflect the volatile atmosphere of the Norwegian scene. To maintain creative control over his output, he co-founded Sublife Productions, an unusual move for underground artists seeking independence at the time. He also collaborated with The 3rd Attempt, a project featuring former members of Carpathian Forest and Darkthrone. The most enduring legend surrounding Tchort involves his arrest for stabbing, which occurred shortly before or during the sessions for Emperor's seminal album *In the Nightside Eclipse*. This incident triggered his immediate removal from the band, leaving Ihsahn to finish the project alone. While folklore within the community occasionally suggests potential involvement in church burnings alongside Samoth, these claims remain unverified allegations rather than confirmed facts. The narrative of the *Nightside Eclipse* era remains anchored in the tension between the band's artistic peak and the criminal behavior that ultimately ended his tenure.[edit]

Tchort is married and has two children, a son and a daughter. He keeps his family life private, and few details about his spouse or children are publicly available. The family lives in Kristiansand, where Tchort continues to base his professional activities. His domestic life appears stable, allowing him to focus on his long-running musical projects. [edit]

Tchort has collaborated with several key figures in Norwegian metal. He played with Ihsahn and Samoth in Emperor, and with Satyr in Satyricon. His long-time collaborator Kjetil Nordhus co-founded Sublife Productions with him. He also worked with drummer Trym Torson and bassist Håvard Ellefsen, both of whom contributed to Green Carnation. [edit]

Tchort is married, though he keeps the details of his marriage private. There are no public records of any previous marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships. As of 2026, he remains married and lives with his family in Kristiansand. His relationship status has been remarkably stable, allowing him to focus on his music. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Tchort's net worth stands at $1 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects the typical earnings profile of a veteran musician operating within the extreme metal genre, where revenue streams rely heavily on album sales, streaming royalties, touring circuits, and merchandise rather than major corporate endorsement deals. His financial stability is built upon several consistent pillars. Royalties generated from Emperor's influential back catalog and the extensive discography of Green Carnation provide a reliable foundational income. Touring remains a critical component of his earnings, as live performances are essential for artists in this sector. Furthermore, his ownership stake in Sublife Productions contributes significantly to his total, as the label manages releases and bookings for various artists. Merchandise sales add further value to this portfolio. Compared to mainstream rock stars, Tchort's wealth is modest but represents a sustainable career grounded in artistic integrity and a loyal, niche fan base. There are no public records indicating major real estate holdings or high-profile business ventures outside of his established musical enterprises.[edit]