Arcturus (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Norway |
| Products | Studio albums, singles, EPs, live albums |
Arcturus is a Norwegian band established in 1991, recognized for their avant-garde and progressive metal style. They are distinguished by their ongoing innovation, merging elements from black metal and classical music while retaining a core metal sound. To date, the group has produced five studio albums. Their name, which translates to "Bear Guardian," is inspired by the Behenian fixed star Arcturus.
Formation and Early Years
The initial lineup experienced changes when bassist and vocalist Marius Vold, formerly associated with Thorns, departed due to personal reasons. The band quickly earned a reputation as a black metal supergroup, featuring vocalist Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg, guitarist Carl August Tidemann, bassist Skoll, drummer Jan Axel Blomberg ("Hellhammer"), and primary composer and keyboardist Steinar Sverd Johnsen. In 1994, guitarist Samoth contributed to the EP Constellation, which was released through his own label, Nocturnal Art.
Transition After Garm's Departure
Following the release of three albums, Kristoffer Rygg left the band and was replaced by Øyvind Hægeland from Spiral Architect, who performed live shows but did not participate in studio recordings. On 5 January 2005, the band announced Øyvind’s exit due to logistical challenges related to distance. His successor was Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs, who had previously lent his vocals to three tracks on La Masquerade Infernale. After Carl August Tidemann left, Knut Magne Valle joined as guitarist. In 2003, Tore Moren was added as a second live guitarist before becoming an official member. The two guitarists shared lead responsibilities, with Knut playing a 7-string guitar and Tore using a traditional 6-string instrument.
Disbandment
On 16 April 2007, Arcturus declared their dissolution, which was officially confirmed on their website the following day. The group attributed the decision to conflicting professional and personal obligations that prevented them from continuing. They expressed appreciation for the support from their fanbase throughout their career.
Reformation
Speculation about an Arcturus reunion featuring vocalist Garm surfaced, with Hellhammer affirming its likelihood and Garm initially showing interest; however, Garm ultimately opted out. ICS Vortex indicated intentions to revive various projects after leaving Dimmu Borgir.
ICS Vortex announced a reunion performance scheduled for ProgPower USA 2011, marking Arcturus’s debut in the United States; however, this event was canceled due to logistical difficulties. Subsequent plans to appear at Avant-Garde Night vol. 2 in Poland were also called off.
The band officially reunited on 9 September 2011 at KICK Nattklubb & Scene in Kristiansand, Norway. ICS Vortex confirmed that work on new material was underway. In 2012, Arcturus played at prominent festivals such as Inferno Metal Festival and Hellfest Summer Open Air, as well as venues including the O2 Academy in Islington and Eindhoven Metal Meeting. By October 2014, ICS Vortex had completed vocal sessions for their forthcoming album.
On 26 February 2015, Arcturus entered into a contract with German label Prophecy Productions and announced that their new album Arcturian would be released on 8 May. The label commended the band's inventive approach and significant impact within avant-garde metal circles, highlighting Steinar 'Sverd' Johnsen’s leadership alongside members affiliated with renowned groups like Ulver, Mayhem, and Dimmu Borgir.
The lead single from Arcturian, titled "The Arcturian Sign," was made available on 27 March 2015, followed by the full album release on 8 May.
Current
- Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg – drums (1991–2007, 2011–present)
- Steinar Sverd Johnsen – keyboards (1991–2007, 2011–present), guitars (1991–1993)
- Hugh "Skoll" Mingay – bass (1995–2000, 2002–2007, 2011–present)
- Knut Magne Valle – guitars (1995–2007, 2011–present)
- ICS Vortex – vocals (2005–2007, 2011–present)
Live
- Sebastian Grouchot – violin (2015–present)
Former
- Marius Vold – vocals, bass (1991–1993)
- Samoth – guitars, bass (1993–1995)
- Carl August Tidemann – guitars (1996–1997)
- Dag F. Gravem – bass (2001–2002)
- Kristoffer Rygg – vocals (1993–2003)
- Øyvind Hægeland – vocals (2003–2005)
- Tore Moren – guitars (2003–2007)
Studio albums
- Aspera Hiems Symfonia (1996)
- La Masquerade Infernale (1997)
- The Sham Mirrors (2002)
- Sideshow Symphonies (2005)
- Arcturian (2015)
Singles and EPs
- My Angel (Single) (1991)
- Constellation (EP) (1994)
Compilations
- Disguised Masters (1999)
- Aspera Hiems Symfonia/Constellation/My Angel (2002)
Live albums
- Shipwrecked in Oslo (2006)