Keep of Kalessin

Keep of Kalessin

Keep of Kalessin is a Norwegian melodic black metal group from Trondheim, active since 1994. It begins under the name Ildskjaer, formed by Ghâsh and Obsidian C., and later includes Vyl and Warach. The band develops a dark, epic style rooted in black metal and also draws on thrash metal and death metal influences at different points in its history.

Early years and first releases

The band takes its conceptual inspiration from Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Farthest Shore, which informs both its name and lyrical themes. Its first demo, Skygger Av Sorg, appears in 1996 after difficulties finding a rehearsal space, and it receives only a limited circulation. Despite that, the response is strong enough for the band to sign with Italy’s Avantgarde Music.

The debut album, Through Times Of War, is recorded in Trondheim at Brygga Studios in 1997 and is noted for a clear but heavy production. The follow-up, Agnen: A Journey Through the Dark, arrives in 1999 after a period of live activity in Norway, including shows with Bloodthorn. With that album, the band moves further away from the then-current Norwegian black metal sound and develops a more Swedish-leaning approach. It also contributes a cover of Mayhem’s “Buried By Time And Dust” to a Mayhem tribute release from Avantgarde Music.

Line-up changes and the Obsidian C. era

After the line-up splits in 2000, guitarist and songwriter Obsidian C. continues the project on his own. He later works with Frost on drums and brings in Attila Csihar on vocals for the Reclaim EP, released in 2003. That recording places the band within Norway’s elite black metal circle, although the line-up does not last because of distance between the members.

Obsidian C. then rebuilds the band with former drummer Vyl, a new bassist, and a new vocalist. He also works with lyricist Torstein Parelius on the next album, Armada, released in 2006. The album receives critical acclaim and earns the band a slot at the Trondheim Jazz Festival.

Later albums and current line-up

Keep of Kalessin continues with a series of albums: Kolossus in 2008, Reptilian in 2010, Epistemology in 2015, and Katharsis in 2023. In 2013, Thebon leaves the group. The current line-up includes Obsidian C. on guitars, synth and vocals, Wizziac on bass, and Vyl on drums. Other members associated with the band include Attila Csihar and Frost.