Photo by: Stian Andersen
Following the departure of vocalist Erlend Hjelvik, Kvelertak have announced his replacement. Joining the group is Ivar Nikolaisen of Silver and The Good, The Bad And The Zugly. The group said of Nikolaisen’s addition:
“We are immensely excited to have Ivar on board, and what he will bring to the band.
Kvelertak has had a history with Ivar since the bands early days. Both as a tour companion with his other bands (Silver, The Good, The Bad And The Zugly), and as the guest vocalist on ‘Blodtørst’. Ivar is the frontman we could hope for, and nothing is more natural for us than for him to take over the throne.”
Nikolaisen also issued a statement, saying:
“I’ve been a huge fan of Kvelertak ever since I first saw them nearly ten years ago. It’s an honor to be a part of the band! I will not try to copy Erlend. Erlend is a lion. I’m just a small rat. But this rat is pissed off, infectious, and full of pestilence—ready to take this machine to new heights!”
On his departure, Hjelvik previously said:
“Hey, Erlend here, there is no easy way to say this, so I’ll just get straight to it.
It’s necessary for me to part ways with Kvelertak.
The experience of building a successful band has been fun and rewarding but has also been equally intense and challenging. Over the years, this has taken its toll. As we’ve been developing personally and professionally, our individual goals, needs and motivations have changed, leading us in different directions.
Though it is a heavy decision to leave a life I’ve been living and breathing for the last decade, I feel happy and excited to explore new possibilities for the future.
Regrettably, due to circumstances out of my control, I am not able to perform the last four shows in Norway this summer. I apologize to the festival organizers and fans planning on these shows.
I would like to thank Bjarte, Kjetil, Maciek, Marvin and Vidar, our crew, bands we’ve toured with and everyone else who has worked with Kvelertak. Most importantly, I appreciate our awesome fans that have made everything possible. I’m very proud and grateful for everything we’ve accomplished as Kvelertak. I am genuinely thankful for everything we’ve experienced together and wish the band the best of luck and success in the future.
Kvelertakk for meg!
Erlend Hjelvik“
The group is currently working on their first record with their new frontman. Kvelertak’s first performance with Nikolaisen took place at Fjellparken in Flekkerfjord, Norway on Friday, July 20th. Footage of the show can be found below: