Sarke

Norwegian extreme metal band

Sarke

Sarke performing at Maryland Deathfest in 2014

Background information
Origin| Oslo, Norway
Genres| Black metal, thrash metal
Years active| 2008–2025
Labels| Indie Recordings
Past members| Sarke
Nocturno Culto
Anders Hunstad
Terje Kråbøl
Steinar Gundersen
Cyrus
Asgeir Mickelson

Sarke was a Norwegian black/thrash metal band from Oslo, active from 2008 to 2025. They released seven studio albums and were most recently signed to Norwegian record label Indie Recordings.

## History

[edit]

Sarke formed in 2008 when Thomas "Sarke" Bergli (Khold, Tulus) decided to make a solo album. In November 2008, Sarke recorded the tracks for the album with keyboardist Anders Hunstad, produced by Lars-Erik Westby. Ted "Nocturno Culto" Skjellum (Darkthrone, ex-Satyricon) joined Sarke and provided vocals for the debut album, titled Vorunah, released on 6 April 2009 via Indie Recordings.[1] In 2009, drummer Asgeir Mickelson and guitarist Terje "Cyrus" Andersen joined the band as live members. In 2010, Steinar Gundersen joined Sarke as their second guitar player. In 2009 and 2010, the band played at several festivals such as Wacken Open Air (with the guest appearance of Thomas Gabriel Fischer[2]), Inferno Festival, Hole in the Sky, Party.San Open Air, Brutal Assault and Ragnarök Festival. After the festivals, Mickelson, Cyrus and Gundersen became full-time members of the band.

On 15 April 2011, Sarke released a new album, Oldarhian, via Indie Recordings.[3]

On 20 September 2013, the band released their third studio album, titled Aruagint, via Indie Recordings.[4]

On 21 February 2025, the band announced they had broken up.[5]

## Musical style and influences

[edit]

Sarke's sound can be described as a blend of black metal[4][6][7] and thrash metal,[6][7] that incorporates doom metal,[7][8] death metal[4] and punk[4][7][8] elements. According to the band, they are influenced by '70s rock, '80s speed metal and '90s black metal. They are inspired by bands like Mayhem, Slayer, Darkthrone, Celtic Frost, Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Death, Motörhead and Kreator.[4]

## Members

[edit]

Final lineup

* Sarke – drums, guitar (2008–2011); bass (2008–2025)
* Nocturno Culto – lead vocals (2008–2025)
* Anders Hunstad – keyboards (2008–2025)
* Terje Kråbøl – drums (2011–2025)
* Steinar Gundersen – guitar (2011–2025)

Former members

* Cyrus – guitar (2011–2013)

Session members

* Asgeir Mickelson – drums (2009–2011)
* Cyrus – guitar (2009–2011)
* Steinar Gundersen – guitar (2010–2011)

## Discography

[edit]

* Vorunah (2009)
* Oldarhian (2011)
* Aruagint (2013)
* Bogefod (2016)
* Viige Urh (2017)
* Gastwerso (2019)
* Allsighr (2021)
* Endo Feight (2024)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "SARKE Featuring DARKTHRONE's NOCTURNO CULTO Signs With INDIE RECORDINGS". Blabbermouth.net. 3 February 2009. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
2. ^ "SARKE To Be Joined By Former CELTIC FROST Frontman For WACKEN OPEN AIR Performance". Blabbermouth.net. 3 July 2009. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
3. ^ "SARKE: 'Oldarhian' Release Party To Be Held In Oslo". Blabbermouth.net. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
4. ^ a b c d e "SARKE: Entire 'Aruagint' Album Available For Streaming". Blabbermouth.net. 20 September 2013. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
5. ^ Greg Kennelty (21 February 2025). "Norwegian Black Metal Band SARKE Breaks Up". Metal Injection. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
6. ^ a b "Sarke – Aruagint (Review)". Norskmetal.net. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
7. ^ a b c d "Sarke – Aruagint (Indie Recordings)". Ave Noctum. 30 September 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
8. ^ a b "Sarke – Oldarhian Review". Angry Metal Guy. 18 April 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2013.

## External links

[edit]

* Official Facebook page
* Sarke at AllMusic

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI

Artists|

* MusicBrainz