Norwegian Fog Will Shroud Bratislava in Early September TAAKE

Norway is undoubtedly one of the countries synonymous with truly heavy music. In rankings of metal bands per capita, it consistently holds one of the top spots alongside other Nordic nations. Yet in one particular subgenre, it reigns supreme. It is the cradle, mother, Big Bang, alpha and omega of black metal as a distinct musical genre. Its foundations were laid above all by Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Immortal and Enslaved.

While other countries merely knocked on the gates of hell, the Norwegians smashed them open and unleashed demons upon the world, many of whom can still be seen on stages across the globe today. In early September, a veil of Norwegian black metal fog will also descend on Bratislava's Randal club, where TAAKE will unleash hell on 5 September.

The word Taake is an older form of the Norwegian word "tåke", meaning fog. The band was originally formed in Bergen in 1993 under the name Thule. Its founder Hoest, whose real name is Ørjan Stedjeberg, changed the name just two years later because he felt the new one better reflected the authenticity of the Norwegian spirit in his music and lyrics.

At the same time, it is a partly patriotic expression of respect for his hometown of Bergen. The name refers to the fog that lingers around the seven mountains surrounding the city. And why did Ørjan choose the pseudonym Hoest? The Norwegian word "høst" means autumn, the season in which he was born.

Since 1996, when the band's other founding member, drummer Svartulv, left the group, Hoest has been Taake's only official member. In the studio, he handles every musical role. The rest of the line-up consists of musicians who perform with the band mainly on concert tours.

Since 2007, the live line-up has consistently featured V'gandr on bass, Aindiachaí and Gjermund on guitars, and Rune on drums. Hoest describes Taake's music as True Norwegian Black Metal. He has previously stated that he wants his music to awaken national pride and cultural nostalgia in Norwegian listeners. He has also said that he intends to remind people of the existence of hell on Earth and of the fact that humans themselves can become demons.

Over more than thirty years of Taake's existence, there have also been numerous collaborations with members of other prominent bands. Hoest has worked, for example, with Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved and Borknagar, Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone, Attila Csihar, Nattefrost of Carpathian, Demonaz Doom Occulta of Immortal, and Niklas Kvarforth of Shining.

Taake have released eight studio albums, four EPs, one live EP, four demos, two of which were recorded under the name Thule, several compilations, and eight split albums or EPs.

These collaborative releases have featured Amok, Urgehal, Norwegian Evil, Vidsyn, Gigantomachy, Sigh, The Meads of Asphodel, Thus Defiled, Evo/Algy, Whoredom Rife, Deathcult and Helheim.

At the end of July, another release will join this catalogue in the form of the new album En Skog av Nidstang. Hoest drew inspiration for its creation from his immediate surroundings. He composed the album south of Bergen, near the moss-covered forests around the island of Borgøy.

He also reflected the emphasis on this remote place, far from other people, in the creative process itself. He did not rely on modern technology or complicated studio equipment. Instead, he focused on intuition, isolation, creativity and masterful command of basic musical instruments.

We therefore certainly have something to look forward to when we get the chance to experience a piece of this atmosphere in our region in early September. To mark the release of the new recording, Taake will also visit Bratislava during the first half of the tour supporting it.

Three more bands will support the Norwegians. One of them is Swiss black/death metal outfit Impalement.

📍Bratislava – Randal
📅 5 September 2026
🕕 from 18:00

🎟️ Tickets at PredPredaj