KVELERTAK

Splid

RISE Nordic scene leaders ring the changes but stay on track

littered with stories of established bands triumphing over uncertain futures after a frontperson switcheroo. In the case of these breakout Norwegians – it’s still astounding that a band mixing black metal, rock’n’roll and hardcore punk singing in a language that only five million people worldwide speak have become internationally popular – it remains to be seen if new blood Ivar Nikolaisen can bring the same live energy as the departed Erlend Hjelvik, who gave not a single fuck when recklessly slinging Erlend Jr. (aka: his beer gut) around the world’s venues while donning a giant owl mask. Impending stage tricks aside, the first and most important step has been successfully traversed; Nikolaisen has effectively inserted himself into