Kvelertak

Kvelertak are a Norwegian black n roll group from Stavanger, active since 2007. The band’s name is Norwegian for “stranglehold” or “chokehold”.

Line-up

The group includes Ivar Nikolaisen on vocals, with Vidar Landa, Bjarte Lund Rolland and Maciek Ofstad on guitars, Marvin Nygaard on bass and Håvard Takle Ohr on drums. Erlend Hjelvik is the founding lead singer and leaves the group in 2018.

Style and language

Kvelertak play a mix associated with black metal, hardcore punk and black ‘n’ roll. Their songs are mostly in Norwegian, and their main musical influences are rock and roll and punk rock.

Early releases and albums

The band self-releases a demo called Westcoast Holocaust in 2007. Their debut album, Kvelertak, appears in 2010 and is released through Indie Recordings in Norway and The End Records in North America. It is certified gold in Norway for sales of more than 15,000 copies.

Their second album, Meir, is released in 2013, followed by Nattesferd in 2016. Splid arrives in 2020 and is their first album with Ivar Nikolaisen on lead vocals.

Recognition and other credits

In 2011 the band receives two Spellemannprisen awards, for Best Newcomer and Best Rock Band. The song “Mjød” is used as end music for the film The Troll Hunter.