«This summer has seen us do some of the biggest festival shows to date. We really can’t wait to hit the road again with a brand new album and a revitalized energy. 2020 is going to be a massive year for Kvelertak and we’re looking forward to see both old and new fans on the road!» - Kvelertak

The Norwegian rock and metal band Kvelertak (translates to ‘stranglehold’ and is pronounced «Kuh-vell-er-taaaak») entered 2019 with bigger riffs and an even heavier sound. With Ivar Nikolaisen fronting the rejuvenated Kvelertak, Kvelertak  headed out on a European tour as “Special Guests” to  Mastodon early this year and are currently in the middle of a huge European festival tour before entering the studio to begin the recording of their 4th studio album expected to come out early next year.

The band conquers every venue they play, with their outstanding blend of classic 70’s rock n roll and Norwegian black metal. Kvelertak’s live performances can be summarized as grand, sweaty and goddamn catchy. In recent years Kvelertak have shared the stage with Converge, Mastodon, Ghost, Slayer and Metallica. Metallica front man James Hetfield is an outspoken huge fan of the band.

Since Kvelertak started playing they have won four Norwegian Grammys, amongst others best newcomer in 2010 and best rock and metal album for all their albums.

Kvelertak  was established in Stavanger in 2007 and consists of Vidar Landa (guitar), Marvin Nygaard (bass guitar), Bjarte Lund Rolland (guitar), Maciek Ofstad (guitar) and Kjetil Gjermundrød (drums) and Ivar Nikolaisen (vocals).

Ivar states

Playing music with these talented guys is extremely cool. Its fire and mayhem! I haven’t had a permanent job since working at Burger King in 1999, so this is a first for me!

Vidar Landa mentions the band has been totally revitalized since Ivar joined.

«It’s like we’ve gotten an ‘extra gear’ with Ivar on the roster. He has a wild energy and it’s amazing to see his contribution to the band. He’s exactly what we needed. All the concerts with Ivar have been killer performances!»

And the press seems to agree, with rave reviews coming in so far on the festivals so far.

Between touring, Kvelertak is in the process of finishing up the writing of the next album. The album will be recorded in October and done by the end of 2019.

Landa mentions

«It’s been great going back to songwriting and jamming. It’s different kind of work, which we all enjoy, and everybody has their say in the process. We have a completely new impulse with Ivar onboard, which gives us a new edge. Our new record will be just what people expect from a Kvelertak album. Maybe even harder».

«Kvelertak’s New Frontman Is Ready To Go. Ivar Nikolaisen has only been the frontman of Kvelertak for less than a year, but he proves that he’s worthy of the role»

-KERRANG