A log cabin deep within the Hardangerfjord of western Norway seems an unlikely birthplace for a new sub-genre, but that’s where six-piece Agabas came up with deathjazz, described as “a ferocious union of death metal and jazz.”
Currently on tour through Europe with Avatar, Agabas‘ latest album Hard Anger is due out as a Deluxe Edition on 5th March through Mascot Records.
Uncompromising and mercilessly down-tuned breakdowns collide with savage, unrelenting saxophone lines that refuse to play a supporting role, while guttural Norwegian vocals are hurled straight at the listener. Influences such as Meshuggah, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Gojira have been noted, but so too is the freeform intensity of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Miles Davis.
Agabas hold jazz performance master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees in music technology and musicology, and an academic seriousness that underpins the chaos. Singer Brønstad even wrote his master’s thesis on the history and cultural impact of mosh pits.
Formed in Trondheim, once the Viking Age’s beating heart, the band found a place of quiet reflection over 700km away at the Hardangerfjord. Away from everyday noise, it allowed their minds to turn to larger questions and the uneasy sense that the world itself is turning another restless page in its long and troubled story.
Themes of war and humanity coil themselves around the new album. The deluxe edition single ‘Kill’ explores a near-future dystopia where artificial intelligence erodes truth itself. The title comes from the Norwegian phrase “Kunstig intelligens lager liv,” translated as “Artificial intelligence creates life,” forming the acronym KILL.
More recently, they’ve released a cover of Black Sabbath‘s ‘The Wizard’.
“Wanting to honour the life and work of Ozzy, we decided it was time to do a Black Sabbath cover. We chose ‘The Wizard’ because (a) it slaps, and (b) the harmonica melody presented the perfect opportunity for sax rippage.”
With over 1.6 million views and 35,000 new followers, Agabas documented the development of Hard Anger in a series of Instagram and TikTok reels. They’ve since played live across Europe, through the UK, and on tour with Kvelertak and currently with Avatar.
Despite the ferocity of their music, Agabas forgo the standard metal fashion clichés of being decked out in black, favouring Hendrix-style paisley trappings. Live too, there is warmth and infectious energy from its members.
As guitarist Myrseth explained, “I think if you have something to say, you should say it. We want to build a community around that. It’s about inclusivity and love.”
