Solefald

The Norwegian pair Solefald has characterized its output as “radical designer rock & roll” and, in more abstract terms, “red music with black edges.” Although the duo began within black metal, it soon treated that foundation as a departure point for a broader and less classifiable style that might accurately be labeled post-black metal. In pursuing this course Solefald stands alongside other Norwegian bands such as Arcturus, Dodheimsgard, and Fleurety. Their recordings integrate reggae and electronic or dance rhythms, guitars reminiscent of punk rock, an unusually prominent keyboard presence, and sporadic vocals that verge on rap—most conspicuously throughout the 1999 release Neonism. Lyrically the group departs from black metal conventions by addressing consumerism, fashion, and contemporary city existence rather than Satanism, Norwegian mythology, or wilderness imagery, frequently conveying these observations with biting wit.

Guitarist, bassist, and vocalist Cornelius Jakhelln forms the duo with drummer, keyboardist, and vocalist Lazarre Nedland, who has also performed with Borknagar since 1999. The two musicians established Solefald in 1995 and first issued the demo Jernlov before securing a contract with Italy’s Avantgarde imprint. Under that label they delivered The Linear Scaffold in 1997 and the more exploratory Neonism two years later. Their next album, the Century Media concept work Pills Against the Ageless Ills, appeared in autumn 2001 and centers on two estranged brothers—one a pornographer, the other a monk. The same year Jakhelln released the volume of metaphysical verse Gebura Muse through Norway’s principal publishing house, H. Aschehoug & Company.