"I think it’s good to keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard all the time. That’s how it is to be a rock band in 2013; we have to work hard to get anywhere."

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I had the opportunity out of nowhere to speak with Marvin Nygaard, bassist for Norwegian metallers KVELERTAK, who were about to embark on another U.S. run in support of second full-length album Meir late in 2013. Of course I jumped at the chance. Have you heard this band? They’re insane!! Our chat was short, but we had a good time. And I also learned a thing or two that I didn’t necessarily need to know, but hey, that’s metal, right? See for yourselves:

KNAC.COM: So, KVELERTAK is on album number two, Meir. How’s everyone in the band feeling? What’s the vibe?

NYGAARD: We’re all feeling pretty good. The last year has been pretty crazy. We’ve been touring a lot; we’re constantly on the road so I guess that’s a good thing.

KNAC.COM: Both of your records kick ass. And you’ve all said that you needed to improve in your playing. If that’s what you guys sound like NOT playing well, I hate to see what happens when you learn how to play!

NYGAARD: (Laughs) The new album is a step up for us playing-wise and it feels more grown up. I love both albums, though. The new one is a bit more streamlined. Since we’ve been touring so much it just feels like a natural progression in the songwriting and musically.

KNAC.COM: You have a lot of influences, yet you don't sound like ANYONE. How'd you manage to come up with such a unique sound?

NYGAARD: Mostly you can thank Vidar (Lander, guitar). We all come from different backgrounds and he puts it all together really well since we have three guitars.

KNAC.COM: How was Japan? I know you were dying to get over there since Erland (Hjelvik, vocals) was born there. How was playing for those crowds?

NYGAARD: Japan was pretty insane! We felt like we were on another planet. The shows were pretty good, not totally packed, but the people were great and very polite. People would clap at the end of every song and then be completely quiet during the songs.

KNAC.COM: You sing in Norwegian. I don't know what you're saying, but the songs sure are anthemic!

NYGAARD: Lyric-wise Erland tried to cover a wider spectrum this time around like burning holes in a skull to ward off evil.

KNAC.COM: You guys seem like a touring machine. Do you prefer being out there on the road to sitting at home?

NYGAARD: Yeah I think it’s good for us because I have a family back home and I wish I was with them more, but stuff could be worse. I’m doing what I love and I’m able to make a living out of it. And I think it’s good to keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard all the time. That’s how it is to be a rock band in 2013; we have to work hard to get anywhere.

KNAC.COM: You played here in Dallas twice this year. How do you like Texas?

NYGAARD: I love Texas. I love Dallas, Austin, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the U.S. The metalheads are nuts!

KNAC.COM: Tell me something that ISN'T well-known about you guys.

NYGAARD: That’s a difficult question.

KNAC.COM: Exactly!

NYGAARD: Hmmmm…our guitar player Vidar, he has three nipples.

KNAC.COM: (Laughing) Are you serious? (Marvin answers in the affirmative, also laughing) Well, I DID ask the question! Is there anything you’d like to say to the KVELERTAK fans out there?

NYGAARD: I hope you all come out and see us, and I we really appreciate all of you who already have. Thank you for making it possible for us to tour all over the world. We will try and make more records for everyone.

Marvin Nygaard is a man of few words. But really, between burning skulls and third nipples I’d say that about covers it, wouldn’t you? Definitely pick up Meir from KVELERTAK, grab a case of beer and rage all night to it. You’ll feel great in the morning!

You can pick up a copy of Meir in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.

Live Photo Credit: Anton Kudimov