Biography
Glittertind was founded in 2001 by Torbjørn Sandvik (b. 1985). Inspired by old Norwegian history and culture he made a sound blending folk, metal and punk.
The name Glittertind, or "Glittering Peak" in English is taken from a wellknown mountain situated in the heart of Norway – Jotunheimen. Torbjørn Sandvik says this name was taken because:
| “ | "Many famous Norwegian artists and writers have got uncountable strong impressions from these enormous mountains and these same giants have a strong influence on the lyrical and musical concepts of Glittertind. | ” |
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—Biography of Glittertind in 2009 |
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After several years trading underground demos, Glittertind was signed on Karmageddon Media. This collaboration resulted in two releases. The debut-album Evige Asatro or in English, "Eternal Odinism", was released August 2004. It was heavily inspired by pagan metal and viking metal ideology, and music-wise it was also inspired by folk punk. Several magazines cheered this album and a Kerrang! review summarized it as follows:
| “ | "...One listen to one-man Norwegian project Glittertind will instantly make you want to eat meat off the bone, casually get into a drunken fight and possibly grow a huge beard as well, thanks to their raucous Pogues-turned-up-to-11 sound. Madder than a donkey on a trampoline and twice as ludicrous, this is also an incredible amount of fun!..." | ” |
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—Nick Ruskell (Kerrang!) 2004 |
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The second album got out April 2005 as a mini-album celebrating Norway's 100 years of independence. It was dedicated to Norwegian freedom fighters throughout the ages and it made a statement for democracy and empowerment of citizens through a state that owns its own capital, over the deregulating nature of neoliberalism which is believed to contribute to the privatisation of natural resources and the rise of monopolies. The title Til Dovre Faller, "Until Dovre falls", was taken from the moment of the constitutional signing in 1814 where Norwegian patriots gathered, stating that they would struggle for independence until the mountains of Dovre fell. Torbjørn Sandvik believes that the opposite is happening when resources that belong to the state are sold to the super rich corporations. One reviewer stated the following about this release:
| “ | "...Glittertind understands that folk is first and foremost life affirming as opposed to hateful, morbid, anti-social, suicidal and racist. It is also simple and realistic - just like punk. How refreshing it is to witness a patriot who is strong and healthy-spirited enough to oppose the EU entity, yet wish for a 'united and peaceful Europe'. How ideologically consistent the inclusion of songs against Nazi occupation side by side with songs resisting older foreign conquests of Norway..." | ” |
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—Avi Pitchon (Terrorizer) 2005 |
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In 2008 Glittertind signed a long term agreement with Napalm Records and Geirmund Simonsen (b. 1983) joined the ranks of this band.
With Landkjenning, in English "Landsighting", released May 2009, Glittertind states that they:
| “ | "..commemorates the history and poetry of the Norwegian homeland. Traditional melodies and Nordic sounds determine the overall picture of an album that nevertheless finds repeated diversity in its placement of drums and fast riffs. The folkloric sounds delivered by authentic instruments of old skillfully merge with modern elements to create catchy, detail-oriented works. The clean and powerful vocals, sung in Norwegian, give Landkjenning a unique touch. The very profound lyrical concept revolves around Norway's Christianization and transports the listener 1000 years back into the past, to a time where one had to decide between the new religion and the traditional old ways. Kris Verwimp's (Arkona, Crimfall, Moonsorrow) artistic know-how has impressively captured this lyrical theme graphically.." | ” |
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—Biography of Glittertind 2009" |
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Landkjenning entered the domestic chart result in Norway on position No. 20. The song Går min eigen veg was listed in Norway's most popular radio channel NRK.
In 2010 Glittertind became a sekstet and the band played their first gig at a sold-out Karmøygeddon metal festival in April 2010. New band members were Stefan Theofilakis on flutes, Geir Holm on drums, Olav Aasbø on lead-guitar, and Bjørn Nordstoga on bass. Torbjørn Sandvik handles vocals and rhythm guitar live and Geirmund Simonsen plays accordion, acoustic guitar and synth.
Read more about this topic: Glittertind (band)
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