Sahg

Formed during 2004 in Bergen, Norway, the heavy metal supergroup Sahg sprang from the combined efforts of three industrious musicians already active in other projects. Vocalist and guitarist Olav Iversen, who also performs with Manngard, joined forces with guitarist Thomas Tofthagen of Audrey Horne and bassist Tom Cato Visnes, better known as King ov Hell through his work with Gorgoroth, Audrey Horne, and I. With assistance from drummer Einar Selvik, recognized as Kvitrafn from his affiliations with Dead to this World, Gorgoroth, and Jotunspor, the newly assembled band tracked its debut album, Sahg I, which appeared in early 2006. After the addition of drummer Tor Bjarne Bjelland, the group embarked on a U.S. tour alongside Celtic Frost and appeared at Germany’s 2007 Wacken Open Air Festival.

Sahg I reached number 31 on the Norwegian charts and drew enthusiastic notices throughout Europe for its contemporary reinterpretation of the foundational heavy metal style originated by Black Sabbath, a sound later categorized as doom on account of its deliberate pacing. The original three members therefore returned to the studio in 2008, this time supported by session drummer Brynjulv Guddal, to shape another collection of doom-infused metal compositions issued as Sahg II. Although their more established commitments naturally take precedence, the musicians appear committed to keeping Sahg active among their ongoing endeavors.