Taake

Taake is a Norwegian black metal band from Bergen, formed in the late 1990s by vocalist and guitarist Hoest. The name Taake translates to hood or cloak in Norwegian. The project has been active for over two decades, releasing multiple studio albums and developing a devoted following within the black metal scene.

The music is rooted in the second wave Norwegian black metal tradition, featuring raw production, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beats, and harsh, snarling vocals, with occasional melodic or atmospheric elements. The sound often emphasizes cold, wintery atmospheres and stark arrangements, blending aggression with somber, evocative passages.

Lyrically, Taake draws on Norse mythology, folklore, and depictions of nature and northern landscapes. The band’s themes tend toward the grim and the austere, aligning with the aesthetic conventions of traditional Norwegian black metal.

Hoest has been the central figure throughout Taake's career, with a rotating lineup of collaborators and session musicians for recording and live performances. This fluid membership is characteristic of the project, while Hoest remains its primary creative force.

Taake has released several studio albums since its formation, including notable titles such as Noregs Vaapen (2005) and Taake (2008). The group has also issued EPs, live recordings, and compilations, contributing to the genre’s development and maintaining an international presence.

The band has maintained an ongoing presence through tours and festival appearances across Europe and beyond, helping to sustain the visibility of Norwegian black metal in the 2000s and 2010s.