Death metal and jazz is being performed live this November through the UK as Norwegian six-piece Agabas hit these shores once more.
“Our last time in the UK was such a blast, we can’t wait to come back!” said the band. “We’ve added some cities we didn’t get to visit last time, which is very exciting, and we’re working on a lot of new material these days, so we’ll probably be testing out a few new songs as well! Some of the venues we played last year almost sold out, so we’ve got high hopes that this is going to be a packed and sweaty affair. See you guys in November!”
If you’re new to Agaba, what can you expect? Try mercilessly downtuned breakdowns colliding with savage, unrelenting saxophone lines that refuse to play a supporting role.
Between them, Sondre Sørensen Brønstad (vocals), Oskar Myrseth (guitar), Jarand Aga Baas (guitar), Johan Jamtfall Eriksen (bass), Alexander Dellerhagen (saxophone) and Bjørn André Syverinsen (drums) hold jazz performance master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees in music technology and musicology, and an academic seriousness that underpins the chaos. Brønstad even wrote his master’s thesis on the history and cultural impact of mosh pits. These are musicians who understand both the tradition they draw from and the rules they are breaking.
Themes of war and humanity coil around their album Hard Anger. The deluxe edition single ‘Kill’ explores a near-future dystopia in which artificial intelligence erodes truth itself. The title comes from the Norwegian phrase “Kunstig Intelligens Lager Liv”, which translates to “artificial intelligence creates life”, while forming both a prophetic and unsettling acronym.
Above all, Agabas are intent on building community. Inclusivity is foregrounded at their shows. “Join Agabas and help us create our legacy together,” vocalist Brønstad urges. “We stand together, against injustice.”
Tour Dates
12 Nov: Leeds, Royal Park Cellars
13 Nov: Cardiff, Fuel Rock Club
15 Nov: Bristol, Exchange
17 Nov: Manchester, Star & Garter
18 Nov: London, Black Heart
19 Nov: York, The Fulford Arms
