Sarke
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Defunct | 2025 |
| Headquarters | Oslo , Norway |
| Products | Studio albums |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/SarkeOfficial/ |
Sarke was a black/thrash metal ensemble originating from Oslo, Norway, active between 2008 and 2025. Throughout their career, they produced seven studio records and were affiliated with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings.
History
The band Sarke began as a solo endeavor in 2008, initiated by Thomas "Sarke" Bergli (Khold, Tulus). In November of the same year, he collaborated with keyboardist Anders Hunstad to record their first album, which was produced by Lars-Erik Westby. The album Vorunah featured vocals by Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone, formerly of Satyricon) and was released on 6 April 2009 under Indie Recordings. Live performances in 2009 included drummer Asgeir Mickelson and guitarist Terje "Cyrus" Andersen, with guitarist Steinar Gundersen joining the touring lineup in 2010. The group appeared at prominent festivals such as Wacken Open Air—where Thomas Gabriel Fischer made a guest appearance—Inferno Festival, Hole in the Sky, Party.San Open Air, Brutal Assault, and Ragnarök Festival. Subsequently, Mickelson, Cyrus, and Gundersen transitioned into permanent band members.
Their sophomore album, Oldarhian, was released on 15 April 2011 through Indie Recordings, followed by the third studio effort, Aruagint, on 20 September 2013.
On 21 February 2025, Sarke publicly declared the conclusion of their activities as a band.
Musical style and influences
Sarke's musical approach fuses elements of black metal and thrash metal, while also integrating components from doom metal, death metal, and punk rock. Their inspirations span across '70s rock, '80s speed metal, and '90s black metal scenes, drawing creative influence from groups such as Mayhem, Slayer, Darkthrone, Celtic Frost, Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Death, Motörhead, and Kreator.
Members
- Final lineup
- Sarke – drums and 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 musicians
- Asgeir Mickelson – drums (2009–2011)
- Cyrus – guitar (2009–2011)
- Steinar Gundersen – guitar (2010–2011)
Discography
- Vorunah (2009)
- Oldarhian (2011)
- Aruagint (2013)
- Bogefod (2016)
- Viige Urh (2017)
- Gastwerso (2019)
- Allsighr (2021)
- Endo Feight (2024)