Hello I am American but I absolutely love some of the music coming out of Norway, and I'm wondering what Norwegians themselves think of it.

Years and years ago, I got hooked on Einar Selvik's Wardruna, and they have since become a global phenomenon. And by following Einar Selvik, I've been introduced to a host of other musicians who all seem to be part of a single (largley Bergen-based) community: Enslaved, Skuggsja, Gaahl's WYRD, Lindy-Fay Hella og Dei Farna, Afargang. All these groups have in common that they are emerging out of an extreme metal scene, taking those influences, but trying to do something more.

( https://www.disharmoni.no/lindy-fay-hella-gaahl-og-dei-farne-pa-sentralen/ )

How is this movement (assuming it can be called a single movement) received in Norway? Is there a large following or no? Are there noticable differences in the way religion and identity get discussed among Norwegians? Or is it all totally underground and unoticed?

Thank you, and hope this post is OK for the sub.

P.S. What originally inspired me to make this post was the hope that a Norwegian speaker could transcribe some lyrics for me. I don't want them translated, I just want to know what they are. PM if you're up to it.

by OkSoftware1689

3 comments

  1. This is a niche genre in Norway. Norwegian heavy metal is much bigger abroad than at home

  2. Wardruna is niche. The rest of the band would be fringe that very few know of.  Black metal is general is not something that the average person listens to. Classic heavy metal is huge, bigger than it is in the US.

  3. While I don’t know whether I have a sensible answer to your question, you should check out Ulver, Arcturus and Ved Buens Ende who have made a similar journey to those you describe. Also Green Carnation, In The Woods and Ihsahn who in various ways have been involved with Emperor.

    Black metal bands going in a more progressive or experimental direction seems to be the rule rather than the exception, and I reckon it is because the “avantgarde” effect of black metal has worn out. You can see some of the same in death metal, for example Opeth.

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