GLITTERTIND (Style: Folk Metal, Country: Norway)

Glittertind was formed in 2001 by Torbjørn Sandvik. Inspired by old Norwegian history and culture, Torbjørn found a unique sound by blending folk, metal, and punk. Tommy Udo (Metal Hammer UK) later proclaimed Glittertind�s unique approach as �a bizarre combination of folksy mellowness, hardcore punk riffing, Nordic power/thrash metal and winsome sea-shanty melodies straight out of Captain Pugwash.� The name �Glittertind�, or "Glittering tine" in English, calls forth associations of vast and majestic landscapes. The name is taken from a well known mountain situated in the heart of Norway � Jotunheimen. Many famous Norwegian artists and writers have been strongly inspired by the enormous mountains, and it is these same giants that have also influenced the lyrical and musical concepts of Glittertind. After several years trading underground demos, Glittertind signed to Karmageddon Media. This collaboration resulted in two releases. The debut-album �Evige Asatro� or in English, "Eternal Faith in Norse religion", was released August 2004. Several magazines applauded this album. Nick Ruskell (Kerrang!) summarized it in the following way: �One listen to one-man Norwegian project Glittertind will instantly make you want to eat meat off the bone, casually get into a drunken fight and possibly grow a huge beard as well, thanks to their raucous Poguesturned- up-to-11 sound. Madder than a donkey on a trampoline and twice as ludicrous, this is also an incredible amount of fun!�
The second release, an MCD celebrating Norway�s 100 years of independence, saw the light of day in April 2005. It was dedicated to all Norwegian freedom fighters, who throughout the ages had fought for the common spirit against extreme egoism and the self-centeredness often experienced today. The title "Til Dovre Faller", "Until Dovre falls", was taken from the Norwegian constitutional signing of 1814, where patriots stated that they would fight for independence until the mountains of Dovre fell. Avi Pitchon (Terrorizer) had this to say about the release: "Glittertind understands that folk is first and foremost life affirming as opposed to hateful, morbid, anti-social, suicidal and racist. It is also simple and realistic - just like punk. How refreshing it is to witness a patriot who is strong and healthy-spirited enough to oppose the EU entity, yet wish for a 'united and peaceful Europe'. How ideologically consistent the inclusion of songs against Nazi occupation side by side with songs resisting older
foreign conquests of Norway.�
In 2008, as Geirmund Simonsen joined the project, Glittertind signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. With "Landkjenning" (in English "Landing" or �Landfall�), Glittertind pays homage to the history and poetry of the Norwegian homeland. Traditional melodies and Nordic sounds determine the overall picture of an album that nevertheless finds repeated diversity in its placement of drums and fast riffs. The folkloric sounds delivered by authentic instruments of old skillfully merge with modern elements to create catchy, detail-oriented works. The clean and powerful vocals, sung in Norwegian, give "Landkjenning" a unique touch. The very profound lyrical concept revolves around Norway's Christianization and transports the listener 1000 years back into the past, to a time where one had to decide between the new religion and the traditional old ways. Kris Verwimp's (Arkona, Crimfall, Moonsorrow) artistic know-how has impressively captured this lyrical theme graphically. Glittertind's latest album is an authentic and primal piece of music that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of Folk Metal fans worldwide.