Lumsk

Lumsk, a band that describes itself as:

A seven headed “troll” that combines traditional or traditional-inspired elements from Norwegian folklore and poetry with progressive rock and metal.

Formed in 1999 In Trondheim, Norway, Lumsk set out to explore the concept of regional folk traditions, as did many European heavy metal bands towards the end of the 20th Century.  So great, in fact, was that interest, and its ensuing popularity amongst fans, that, by the first decade of the new Millennium, it had burgeoned into a significant sub-genre all of its own. 

Lumsk’s debut album Åsmund Frægdegjævar appeared in 2003 and was based on the saga of Åsmund Frægdegjævar, who traveled from Ireland to save the princess from trolls.  A year later, in 2004, Lumsk began  a collaboration with the author Birger Sivertsen, an expert on Norwegian folklore and sagas, which led to the release of 2005’s album Troll, whose lyrics were based on Nordic mythology.   The band’s third album, 2007’s Det Vilde Kor featured lyrics by Norwegian author, and holder of a Nobel Prize in Literature, Knut Hamsun.

The band’s fourth full-length album Fremmede Toner is a collection of poems by Norwegian author Andre Bjerke was released in 2023.

Which brings us to today, and today’s lineup, which, following a myriad of comings and goings over the years since Lumsk’s inception, is comprised of Mari Klingen on Vocals, Siv Lena Laugtug Sæther on Violin, Eystein Garberg on Guitar, Roar Grindheim on Guitar, Espen Warankov Godø on Keyboards, Espen Hammer on Bass, and Vidar Berg on drums.