“Make it lovely. Make it darkish.” Make your night depend with Sarke tonight. Sarke is the unbelievable Norwegian band that it’s essential discover. Sarke is pure, trustworthy, groovy, introspective, and uncooked. This group will take you on a “Unusual Pungent Odyssey.” In case you are a “Frost Junkie” with a “hate agenda,” Sarke might be your new drugs of selection. Sarke’s killer riffs and typically flamboyant solos are so phenomenal that they’ll put you in a “Glacial Casket.” Sarke feeds off contradiction — the stress between “illness, avant-garde decay” and the rugged warrior spirit. The marvel of Sarke is that their music drags you down into the “Skeleton Sand” whereas concurrently supplying you with the sensation of zero gravity.
Sarke is the brainchild of Thomas “Sarke” Bergli, who based the venture in 2008. Bergli brings his battle-hardened ’90s black metallic background to the endeavor. He additionally incorporates diverse influences from the ’70s and ’80s. Bergli and his Sarke bandmates animate their work with the spirit of the previous through the use of tools from the ’60s and ’70s. Bergli needs every of his albums to really feel like a rehearsal, which makes them really feel much more natural. Whereas listening to Sarke, you’ll hear parts of old-school rock, velocity metallic, doom, thrash, occasional Viking vibes, heavy metallic, punk, and so forth. The result’s each primitive and polished in the perfect of the way. Sarke will show you how to to show again time and “procreate the barbarian” inside.
You most likely know Bergli because the drummer for the black metallic powerhouses Tulus and Khold. Bergli first selected the title “Sarke” as his alias inside Tulus, which was shaped in 1991. After Tulus signed with Satyr‘s Moonfog Productions, the group was persuaded to imagine a brand new title. Thus, Tulus grew to become Khold and added a second guitarist in 2000. Whereas Tulus’ fashion is extra progressive, Khold‘s music is extra accessible. In dialog with Jerry Kurunen of Rauta, Sarke clarified: “We simply needed to play dwell with out the keyboards and the impact. Simply be a heavy band. A heavier type of Tulus.” Sverre “Gard” / “Blodstrup” Stokland, who acts because the frontman and guitarist for Tulus and Khold, acknowledged: “We [Khold] needed to be straight in your face black metallic.” Prior to now, members of Khold and Tulus had been recruited to carry out dwell with Previous Man’s Youngster. (Galder, the mastermind behind Previous Man’s Youngster, made a visitor look on the fifth observe of Khold‘s debut album.) Though Bergli solely focuses on one group at a time, he continues to make distinctive music underneath each the Tulus and Khold monikers. Be careful for Khold‘s upcoming album Svartsyn on June 24 by way of Soulseller Information. The primary three singles — “Apostel,” “Demonens Bok,” and “EVIG” — have already dropped.
Bergli based Sarke at a time when Khold and Tulus weren’t that lively. (To be honest, they’d each already develop into comparatively prolific. Tulus launched an album in 2007 and Khold did the identical in 2008, however Sverre wanted a break.) Bergli considered Sarke as a chance to problem himself, proceed to create, and discover his inventive liberty with new musicians. Bergli does many of the songwriting in Tulus, Khold, and Sarke. Whereas Sverre additionally contributes a good quantity to Tulus, Bergli confirmed on The Thomas Eriksen Podcast that he personally has extra authority in Khold. Bergli is much from dictator and has allowed different musicians to create music for Sarke. He advised Eriksen that Sarke‘s lead guitarist, Spiral Architect‘s Steinar Gundersen, typically modifications issues up a bit. Though Bergli nearly at all times writes Sarke‘s lyrics, Bogefod, which we are going to talk about later, and “Icon Usurper” are examples of exceptions.
Bergli performed the entire devices on Sarke‘s debut album, Vorunah (2009), which he (after all) composed utterly on his personal. Keyboards, nevertheless, had been dealt with by El Caco‘s Anders Hunstad. Let or not it’s recognized that no different blackened band makes use of keyboards in addition to Sarke. Even if keyboards generally is a signal {that a} band has compromised their integrity when used incorrectly, Sarke is as removed from a sell-out as Varg Vikernes is to a Christian saint. Bergli requested Darkthrone‘s Ted “Nocturno Culto” Skjellum, a pal whom he has recognized because the ’80s, to offer vocals for Vorunah. Though the legendary musician initially refused, Bergli visited his house. After Bergli laid out his concepts by way of a verbal clarification and a musical demonstration, Nocturno finally agreed. Convincing Nocturno was fairly a feat contemplating that Darkthrone had been his important focus, other than some work with Satyricon and some visitor appearances, comparable to on Enslaved‘s Isa (2004) and the experimental, star-studded album Secht (2006) by the short-lived Secht. In 2001, Nocturno was quoted: “I’ve by no means been concerned in different bands. You see, Darkthrone is my life…”
The attention-grabbing factor is that Bergli began Tulus, and thus grew to become a black metaller, due to Mayhem and Darkthrone. Bergli, who has seen each teams carry out, recollects listening to Darkthrone‘s pre-black metallic demos. Bergli was launched to this music by his associates from a tremendous group of “Soul Journey[ping]” “Stoneheads” known as Valhall. Sarke‘s work undoubtedly has its parallel in Valhall‘s epic psychedelic majesty. Fenriz co-founded this outfit in 1987 with Robin Olsen, Kenneth Sorkness and Ronny Sorkness. Fenriz give up Valhall in 1989 seeing as he had develop into too busy with Darkthrone. Because of this, one in all Valhall‘s guitarists requested Bergli to interchange Fenriz on drums. In the meantime, Valhall continued to rehearse in Fenriz‘s basement. Fenriz reunited with the band in 1991 as a session drummer. After Erik Lancelot, who would go on to develop into a member of Ulver, crammed in for Bergli in 1992, Fenriz completely rejoined the band in 1993. Due to his connection, Bergli had witnessed Darkthrone rehearsing previous to the discharge of their sophomore effort, A Blaze within the Northern Sky (1992) — Norway’s first BM studio album. Sverre advised Rauta: “He [Bergli] got here house and he stated: “We [Tulus have] gotta do black metallic!”
After Vorunah, Sarke‘s first document label, Indie Recordings, requested concert events and a brand new album. Bergli recruited a dwell lineup and determined to make use of these musicians for his sophomore album, Oldarhian (2011), as a result of he didn’t wish to make one other solo effort. To today, Nocturno Culto, Steinar Gundersen, and Anders Hunstad (who joined through the Oldarhian period) stay. In 2020, the group added drummer Cato Bekkevold — previously of bands like Crimson Harvest and Enslaved. Bergli has performed bass on all of Sarke‘s albums. Sarke‘s previous members embody Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar and ex-Ihsahn), Cyrus (ex-Insidious Illness and ex-Susperia ), Terje Kråbøl (ex-Minas/Minas Tirith from Jessheim and ex-Faustcoven), and Stian Kråbøl (Khold, Tulus, Minas, and Funeral). A number of former and present members have performed dwell with Satyricon. Though Sarke does not play many dwell exhibits, if you’re fortunate sufficient to catch one in all their performances, you simply would possibly hear them cowl Darkthrone‘s “Too Previous Too Chilly.” That is an unbelievable alternative since, as Nocturno Culto advised Metallic Maniacs, “The probabilities you have got of seeing Darkthrone play dwell are the identical as seeing a giraffe sporting sun shades making an attempt to get right into a polar bear-only golf membership!”
Whereas Bergli has created his personal sound with Tulus and Khold, his objective with Sarke is to make music that’s impressed by others and to experiment with extra genres. Sarke’s influences embody Kreator, Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, Motörhead, Candlemass, and so forth. Bergli‘s ardour for music really started with Kiss. He began selecting up devices as a result of the mother or father of one in all his associates rehearsed in his basement. Bergli initially gravitated in the direction of enjoying mainstream music. Though he took some piano classes, Bergli is usually self-taught. In 1987, Bergli, who was born in 1971, commenced his metallic journey: He performed in a band known as Nuclear Asshole. The outfit borrowed their brand from Nuclear Assault. Along with the teams that we have now already talked about, Bergli has collaborated with Opera, Sensa Anima, and Minas.
Sarke can be formed by Bergli‘s non-musical experiences. Bergli attracts inspiration from nature, poems, darkness, coldness, and the final concept of “awesomeness.” Sarke‘s brooding cynicism is usually paying homage to nice Russian literature from earlier centuries. However, Sarke‘s materials is remarkably contemporary and at all times appears up to date. The collective surprises you with one thing completely different on every album. Sarke is distinguished by spontaneity, eccentricity, environment, and vivid imagery. Sarke spins full of life tales about killing and dying. All the identical, you possibly can inform that Sarke is the product of a collective of healthful guys with good values. Sarke‘s music has the potential to fill you with a longing to return to a extra genuine mode of being. In an odd method, Sarke will show you how to develop into reattuned to the world: “The odor of lifeless autumn. I can’t dwell with out.”
Now that you just perceive why Sarke guidelines, it is time to whip out your headphones. Get able to take a plunge into Sarke‘s ghoulish realm of “suffocating haze,” “lifeless caves, lifeless rivers, lifeless landscapes.” In Sarke‘s “Useless Universe” of “condemned… rotting torso[s],” you’ll come to know “tribulation and mourning and distress, the apply of torturing.” Your solely method out might be to “depend on the rats for salvation.” Get misplaced within the entirety of Sarke‘s labyrinthine catalog. However first, try these 15 superb songs!
“Bleak Reflections”
“Bleak Reflections” kicks off with THE most depraved instrumental intro. Nocturno then begins: “A veil of sunshine hides the darkest secrets and techniques. A psychological door. Past any beliefs, the outdated spirit breeds a darkened thoughts.” “Bleak Reflections” is the opening observe on Allsighr (2021), which blew us away final autumn. Allsighr is Sarke‘s seventh and most up-to-date studio album. Each tune on Allsighr is a “Masterpiss of Ache,” as Khold would possibly say. This retro and eccentric document is divine from starting to finish. The hassle takes its title from the Norse goddess who brings the lifeless again to life in a brand new world: “Allsighr — the goddess of moons and goals. Allsighr — the mom of mortality.” Accordingly, Allsighr will reawaken these indefinable emotions in your soul that you just most likely have not skilled in years. (I ought to most likely communicate for myself after I say that listening to Allsighr will make you’re feeling like much less of a “chilly subhuman savage,” to cite “Upir” from Sarke‘s fifth studio album, Viige Urh [2017].)
“Primitive Killing”
Sarke‘s debut album, Vorunah (2009), begins with “Primitive Killing.” What higher solution to proceed upon a musical journey than with this spectacular tune that emits “Pure Black Power”?! — “The moon is main my path. In my hand a knife of bone. Within the different a rope. For strangulation, to finish it. Prey in sight. Blood might be shed this evening.” Sure, “Loss of life is life,” and Sarke is our lifeblood. This thrashy tune proves that Sarke is a band with balls of metal and the authority of a loaded Kalashnikov rifle.
Vorunah‘s hysterical title observe follows “Primitive Killing”: “Ripping. Dripping. Drooling on my boots. You are on me like a uniform. Like a snake entwines its prey. Though I hate you. You are on me like an outdated man’s canine.” We find it irresistible!
“Alternation”
The brutal and imaginative “Alternation” is wedged between two unforgettable tracks, which can gas your nightmares, on the idea album Bogefod (2016): “Barrow of Torolv” and “The Depraved’s Transient Sleep.” In case you are questioning concerning the origins of the album’s title, Torolv Bogefod is the Viking king who died and later awoke from his grave to terrorize the dwelling within the Norse Eyrbyggja saga. Bogefod boasts the lyrical contributions of Hilde “Hildr” Nymoen. If that title sounds acquainted to you, it’s as a result of Hildr writes the lyrics for Tulus and Khold. She is the spouse of vocalist and guitarist Sverre Stockland. Bogefod is the soundtrack to the film Saga (2016), which additionally incorporates the Eyrbyggja saga into its story. In the event you like black metallic, bikes, zombies, and Vikings, this image is for you. The movie options Nocturno, Bergli, Steinar Gundersen, Asgeir Mickelson, and Terje Kråbøl.
“Previous”
Are you prepared for what Tulus calls “Previous Previous Loss of life”?! “Previous” is the humorous fifth observe on Vorunah (2009). It will not simply make you’re feeling aged: It is going to make you’re feeling “Hundre år gammal,” “One Hundred Years Previous,” a.okay.a. the title of the title observe of Khold‘s fifth album. Solely the “Previous Star” hitmaker Nocturno Culto might imbue lyrics like these with the load of a bodybuilder’s health club routine: “The odor of museum. The rocking chair. Useless pores and skin. The silver hair. I am outdated. I am dying. Hell can wait. I am at all times late.” We wager that you just by no means anticipated to probability upon the phrase “grey woolen cardigan” in a metallic tune. And but, Sarke pulls it off so superbly. “Previous” may be in comparison with Darkthrone‘s “I Am the Working Class” insofar because it intrepidly explores territory that has remained largely uncharted in black metallic. At instances comparable to these, Sarke‘s work exudes one thing of a pop artwork high quality.
Sarke will proceed to make you giggle with gems like “Ugly,” “Rebellious Bastard,” and “Pessimist.” The energized “Ugly” will actually make you wish to dash: “Flee from the beastly and by no means look again. Attempt to discover shelter and conceal within the cracks. Trigger I am ugly. Ugly as Hell.” Listening to Nocturno sing “Ugly” is made much more amusing by the truth that his face is something however that “of catastrophe. A floor of grief.” Equally, Nocturno could also be “rebellious,” however the accountable household man and former instructor is something however a “bastard.” He’s no “weasel.” Optimism apart, “Pessimist” will remind you a little bit of Darkthrone‘s “Rust.”
“Sunken”
“Sunken” follows “Evil Inheritor” on Bogefod (2016). This single will make you’re feeling caught within the undertow: “Drowned the tormentor. Deep within the lavatory. Without end the marshland. Will cowl his corpse. Ashes to ashes to mud.” Earlier within the album, the phrase “Ashes to ashes” may also be discovered on the haunting tune “Burn.” “Dawning,” which showcases feminine vocals, ends with “ashes from a hearth.” The purpose is that Bogefod will scorch you to mud.
“The Stranger Brew”
“The Stranger Brew” is the ultimate tune on Sarke‘s sophomore effort, Oldarhian (2011). Enter “the void,” and are available take a stroll “by way of the fog of flamboyant paths.” “Inhale the stench of the mighty brew and style the liberty of dying.” “The Stranger Brew” might not be a cheerful tune, nevertheless it provides you with a drug-free excessive. Sarke is at all times oddly sobering and represents the antithesis of “contaminated veins.”
Make certain to take heed to the remainder of Oldarhian. This album is simply too intoxicating for the well-being of its listeners. Tracks like these will make you go wild: “Passage to Oldarhian” (“Give me a shotgun. And the odor of doom. The style of iron. I’ll journey quickly.”), “Flay the Wolf” (“Take out the delicate. Abolish the poor. Destroy the bastards. And their feeble souls.”), “Novel Daybreak,” “Paradigm Misplaced,” “Burning the Monoliths,” and so forth.
“Ghost Warfare”
This single is the opening observe on Gastwerso (2019), which additionally means “Ghost Warfare.” “My time is now. I’m the destroyer in a ghost battle.” The unbelievable Gastwerso will take you on the trail to damage, laden with the rolling heads of decapitated philosophers. In the event you ever wish to and show you how to construct your personal “Mausoleum,” Gastwerso will present emotional assist: “Save the pity and the grief. And the unstated phrases. I’ll have my peace within the mausoleum.
“Grim Awakening”
“Grim Awakening” follows “Bleak Reflections” on Allsighr (2021). This tune’s resolute and confident tone will put you in a headlock and firmly maintain your consideration. Nocturno lays down the regulation: “The sensation of disobedience. The sensation of sin. A primitive rawness rising from inside. I leap into cruelty. I leap into hate. A grim awakening. Will seal my destiny. I leap into cruelty. I leap into hate. A grim awakening will seal my destiny. Obsessive about negativity. Obsessive about what’s under. My mystical curiosity starting to develop.” “Grim Awakening” is an earworm that turns right into a serpent: It is poisonous and it bites. The following observe is the blazing “Funeral Fireplace.” Don’t fear: There’s loads of “pagan frost” on Allsighr as nicely.
“Taken”
“Taken” is the opening observe on Bogefod (2016). This tune is about “Loss of life, everlasting taker.” In fact, Nocturno‘s raspy vocals, which think of pictures of the Reaper’s scythe, swimsuit Sarke‘s lyrics completely. When Nocturno opens his mouth, you’re feeling that you’re actually listening to “His Grasp’s Voice.” Nocturno is God.
“Dagger Entombed”
“Dagger Entombed” is the second tune on Viige Urh (2017). It was the primary single from the album to be launched. This observe is pure “inventive ritual energy.” We hope that in 1,000 years, Sarke‘s music might be as nicely preserved because the central object described on this decide: “Excavated from outdated on this bedevil floor… The [entombed king’s] dagger had not rusted.”
“Beheading of the Circus Director”
You will discover “Beheading of the Circus Director” on Allsighr (2021). This tune, in all of its nuanced and nostalgic glory, is a good instance of what it’d sound wish to carry out with what Nocturno dubbed “an Elvis grin.” “Beheading of the Circus Director” is without doubt one of the most original darkish rock songs that you’ll ever hear. This twisted but flowery story begins: “Chilly-hearted. A sick mentality. The urge to rule with iron first. Sitting on his excessive horse. Like a blood leech. Zero self-awareness with no empathy.” Keep tuned for the insane outro.
After “Beheading the Circus Clown,” the groovy “By the Thorns” takes you on a visit into the “obscure”: “By the thorns to the daybreak of knowledge. The supply of information lies within the ache.” Imagine it or not, this groovy tune acts as a soothing balm, although Nocturno‘s menacing voice will rattle you, as at all times. You’re undoubtedly going to wish to end the remainder of Allsighr, which ends on the über-cool “Imprisoned.” Warning: This album will make you “Sleep in Concern.”
“Age of Sail”
“Age of Sail” sweeps in like a sea breeze after “Dagger Entombed” on Viige Urh (2017). The hovering instrumental opening will hook you instantly. This unbelievable tune will make you’re feeling just like the king of the ocean, regardless that your “time is working out.” “Age of Sail” sounds as if it was written by intergalactic Norse warriors. It’s important to experience this album out till the top. You will not be dissatisfied by to the apocalyptic supernova of a last tune, “Evolution and Destiny”: “Towers of black ashes. Ripped to shreds. Misplaced within the void.”
“The Drunken Priest”
“The Drunken Priest” from Vorunah (2009) is an exploration of hypocrisy at its most interesting: “The drunken priest on his altar throne. Drowning in wine. And limitless funerals.” Bergli is an exemplary specimen of true individuality. As such, he by no means jumped on the bandwagon of church burners. Thus, “The Drunken Priest” is considerate and mature in distinction to lots of the different black and black-ish songs that you can find about clergymen.
“Ties of Blood”
“Ties of Blood” from Gastwerso (2019) brings “the hardness,” even when it comes on the worth of a crushing “loss” of “soul.” This single will get the blood flowing to your fists as you welcome “one other black eye Monday.” Once more, this tune’s speaker could have landed himself in a rut, however we knuckleheads nonetheless discover his pugilistic perspective interesting: “Convey me the ache. Convey me the violence. Present me the chain. In these befouled fingers. Come and see the chaos.”
“Partitions of Ru”
“Partitions of Ru” is without doubt one of the highlights from Sarke‘s third album, Aruagint (2013). That is precisely the kind of observe that you’ll want to relax to after a protracted day to fulfill your want for “metallic [that] know[s] what metallic actually means,” as Darkthrone would possibly say. “Partitions of Ru” is assured to appease your “Rabid Starvation.”
