And the New Vocalist for Kvelertak is…

If you’re anything like us (aggressively liberal, Jewish SJWs from New York, duh!) you were pretty bummed when news broke last week that vocalist Erlend Hjelvik and Kvelertak had parted ways. Hjelvik’s voice, image (those owl headdresses!) and live performances were hugely important parts of the band’s identity. With a gig on the horizon just days after the announcement, we couldn’t help but wonder (cue Sarah Jessica Parker voice): could Kvelertak still be Kvelertak with someone else at the mic?

Kvelertak unveiled their new vocalist at their show this past Friday, July 20th, at Fjellparken in Flekkefjord, Norway. His name is Ivar Nikolaisen, and from the looks of a video that’s been released featuring several clips from the show, the man seems up the task of filling some pretty big shoes. Here’s what the band offered on their new vocalist:

“We are immensely excited to have Ivar on board, and what he will bring to the band. Kvelertak has had a history with Ivar since the bands early days. Both as a tour companion with his other bands (Silver, The Good, the Bad and the Zugly), and as the guest vocalist on ‘Blodtørst’. Ivar is the frontman we could hope for, and nothing is more natural for us than for him to take over the throne.”

Nikolaisen himself said this:

“I’ve been a huge fan of Kvelertak ever since I first saw them nearly ten years ago. It’s an honor to be a part of the band! I will not try to copy Erlend. Erlend is a lion. I’m just a small rat. But this rat is pissed off, infectious, and full of pestilence—ready to take this machine to new heights!”

Check out some video from the show below. Both Ivar and the crowd seem totally amped up. What do you think?

In Erlend’s statement following his departure from the band, he made mention of four upcoming shows in Norway that were scheduled (one of which has now taken place), although neither Kvelertak’s official Facebook or website currently lists any. We’ll keep you posted.