​Video: Kvelertak gives first show with new vocalist

The Norwegian metal band Kvelertak, who has recently announced the departure of the vocalist and co-founder Erland Helvik, presented on July 20 its new frontman a 39-year-old Ivar Nikolaisen. Above, you can watch a live video from the first appearance of Nikolaisen as a part of the group.

From the band's official statement on Facebook: "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."

Ivar added: "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!"

Nikolaisen made his live debut with Kvelertak last night (Friday, July 20) at the Fjellparkfestivalen in Flekkefjord, Norway. Video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Kvelertak is currently working on material for its fourth album, tentatively due in 2019. The band's latest album "Nattesferd", recorded with Erland Helvik, was released in May 2016 via Roadrunner Records.

Main photo by Stian Andersen