Kvelertak

About

Kvelertak doesn't just play metal; they detonate it. Hailing from Stavanger, Norway, this six-piece has carved a singular niche by fusing black metal’s raw aggression with the infectious swagger of classic rock and the frantic energy of punk. The result is a sonic Molotov cocktail – exhilaratingly chaotic and impossible to ignore. Emerging from the fertile Norwegian underground in the late 2000s, Kvelertak quickly gained attention with their self-titled debut in 2010, a blast of ferocious riffs and Kristian Valen's snarled Norwegian vocals. Albums like "Meir" (2013) and "Nattesferd" (2016) saw them refine their sound, incorporating more melodic elements without sacrificing their signature intensity. A defining moment was opening for Metallica on their European tour, catapulting them to a global audience. Kvelertak's refusal to be pigeonholed has made them a force to be reckoned with. They are a band that appeals to both purists and casual listeners, a testament to their songwriting prowess and their commitment to pushing boundaries. Following the departure of vocalist Erlend Hjelvik and the subsequent arrival of Ivar Nikolaisen, the band has continued to evolve, releasing "Splid" in 2020 and "Endling" in 2024, demonstrating their enduring creativity and dedication to delivering unrelenting sonic mayhem.