Arabrot 'The Gospel'

The seventh album by Norwegian rock pioneers Årabrot, scheduled for a February 26th 2016 release, could just as well never have happened. Just before going on a three week UK tour, Årabrot mainman Kjetil Nernes discovered an unsettling itch in his throat. After a quick visit to the doctor, Nernes completed the tour with an alarming secret: Malignant cancer.

The album you have in front of you is a collection of the music and lyrics written while undergoing surgery, treatment and recovery. During their 12 years of existence, Årabrot has managed to upset and confuse people in every possible way. From the get go in Haugesund on the windy Norwegian West coast, where it all started, they’ve been provoking people with controversial artwork and music ranging from sleazy punk rock to cerebral experimentalism. Carrying all the hallmarks of a cult band and with hardcore fans all over the world, Årabrot have blown up everything from the dirtiest squats to art galleries and huge festivals. On top of all of this they won a Norwegian grammy for their 2011 album 'Solar Anus'.

The new album 'The Gospel' is recorded partly at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio and partly in the old church in the woods of Dalarna, Sweden where Nernes lives and runs his studio these days. Årabrot has had a revolving crew of contributors the last 4 years. This time the band has been reinforced with among others, Ted Parsons (Killing Joke, Swans, Prong) on drums, Andrew Liles (Current 93, Nurse With Wound) and Stephen O’Malley (Sunn O))), KTL). Kvelertak singer Erlend Hjelvik also appears with norse guest vocals on track "Ah Feel". As usual, the artwork is signed by Norwegian artist Johannes Høie.