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A big thanks to Steve Peck for this piece! Check out his blog too, Steve has such a broad range of musical interests, and writes really well about it, too. đ¤International Womenâs Day: In celebration, I canât think of a more appropriate musical artist to recognize than Agnete Mangnes Kirkevaag, lead singer for Norwegian avant-garde Metal band Madder Mortem. Aside from her incredible musical talents, Kirkevaag has shown great personal resolve and serves well as a role model for women in music. Fiercely forging her own individualistic path, Agnete has overcome numerous obstacles based on the stereotypes of what a female âshould be." In the male-dominated genre of Heavy Metal, youâre either cast as a bodacious sex object, or a pencil-thin forest fairy, dressed in flowing gowns. As documented in the Madder Mortem film âHowl of the Underdogs,â Kirkevaag has faced her personal demons with a rare openness and honesty. Above all, she just freakinâ kicks-ass, and to me, is one of the greatest (Metal) singers of all-time, whether they be female, male, or something furrier!![]()
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Itâs also uncommon for an artist and band to keep getting better and better when theyâre 25+ years into a career. At a time when other contemporaries try to relive past glories or rest on their laurels, Kirkevaag and Madder Mortem continue to challenge themselves with their restless creativity, growing artistically. Over the years, her voice has grown more sumptuous, becoming richer in tone and control. Agnete possesses an incredible range, full of drama and emotion, as she seamlessly moves from warm, sensual caresses to bloodcurdling screams. Kirkevaagâs voice and melodies get stuck in your head, serving as the perfect foil for the band who churns out dissonant, down-tuned riffs and chaos. Although her lyrics can be quite dark, a strong, empathetic survivor instinct is also prevalent.![]()
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Since Madder Mortemâs music is so diverse and uncompromising, itâs proven impossible to put them in a genre defining box. The Metal universe is rampant with labels and self-imposed expectations, and Madder Mortem has struggled to get their music heard. This gives Kirkevaag and band a fighting edge, even though theyâve already forged a rich musical legacy. Taken in a different context, this reminds me of many strong women I know!![]()
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Included in the comments below is the video to âFar from Home,â from their 2018 album âMarrow.â I think it serves as a great example of what Iâve been talking about. On another note, the animation is brilliant, and shouldnât be missed.![]()
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#internationalwomensday #agnetemangneskirkevaag #maddermortem #norwegianmetal #hickorynotes
Agnete and BPâs beloved dad Jakob Kirkevaag passed away Sunday Feb 19th.![]()
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âDad was a fierce supporter of Madder Mortem all the way from the start. The Misty Sleep demo wouldnât have been possible without his financial contribution, and he picked up the CDs and drove 6 hours to deliver them in time for our very first release party. In the same spirit, up through the years he was our driver, host, cook, dishwasher, banker, spokesperson, driver, photographer and fan, but most of all, an unwavering support and inspiration.![]()
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Our next album, âOld Eyes, New Heartâ, will feature two of dadâs paintings as the cover art. This was planned a while ago, but unfortunately, he didnât live long enough to see the finished release. We know he was very proud to let his art be the visual side of our music, and we think itâs a great way to honour a remarkable human being. He was kind and generous, and always chose to stand by the underdogs. We hope we can go on to live our lives without him in a way that would make him proud.![]()
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Agnete & BPâ![]()
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Jakob's art: kirkevaag.no/![]()
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Photo: Ann-HelĂŠn Moen Nannestad Photography
Another review from Tromsø, this time in Norwegian. đ¤
Foreningen Progg i Nord - Anmeldelser
sites.google.com
09.12.22 - Live: Tromsø Metal & Prog - Fest 2022 med Madder Mortem + We Are To Blame + Dreamslain - Driv, Tromsø
Great review from the Tromsø gig courtesy of Progg i Nord! (In norwegian)
sites.google.com
09.12.22 - Live: Tromsø Metal & Prog - Fest 2022 med Madder Mortem + We Are To Blame + Dreamslain - Driv, Tromsø
Heading back home after a wonderful time in Tromsø. Thank you so much to @dreamslain_metal_band and @wearetoblameofficial for a great gig night yesterday @samfunnetdriv![]()
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And a special shout-out to Igor and Anna for making all this happen! We know how much work goes into the planning and logistics that makes an event like this happen - hats off to you! â¤ď¸đ¤![]()
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#maddermortem ![]()
#maddermortemlive ![]()
#dreamslain ![]()
#wearetoblame ![]()
#tromsø![]()
#progressivemetal
Arrived at Studentsamfunnet Driv, getting ready for tonight's gig with Dreamslain and We Are To Blame. ![]()
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Tickets and event:![]()
Madder Mortem (NO), We Are To Blame (SE) og Dreamslain (NO)
Fredag 9. desember er det klart for progfest pü Studentsamfunnet Driv i Tromsø! Vi gleder oss til ü spille med Dreamslain og We Are To Blame - sees der?![]()
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DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
Guitarist Anders Langberg playing with his new band tonight in Oslo, check it out!Norsk![]()
I kveld er det duket for fet progressiv musikk pü Uhørt i Oslo! Scenen klargjøres om ikke alt for lenge! Vi spiller sammen med eminente Delvoid ! Kom ü ta en pils, nyt livet og fyll ørene med utfordrende taktarter og toner! Vi ses i kveld!![]()
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Døra üpner kl 19.00![]()
Vi gĂĽr pĂĽ scenen kl 20.00 (presis)![]()
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English![]()
Tonight is the night! Awesome progressive music live at uhørt, Oslo! The stage will transform in just a few hours!Playing together with the eminent Delvoid! Come have a beer, enjoy life and fill your ears with odd time signatures and challenging tonality! See you tonight!![]()
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Doors: 19.00![]()
Egoista: 20.00 (sharp!)![]()
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Billetter/Tickets:![]()
tikkio.com/tickets/32319-delvoid![]()
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#egoistaofficial![]()
#egoista![]()
#egoistaband![]()
#delvoid![]()
#progrock![]()
#postrock![]()
#uhørt![]()
#oslo
Thanks, Kenneth! We're in good company here!Kenneth Brastad ¡ Playlist ¡ 30 songs