Kvelertak is the gold standard in punked-up, black metal-adjacent, classic rock-worshipping extreme music. The band described by Revolver as “blackened rock and roll party beasts,” with their triple-guitar harmonies and heaps of lyrics written in their native Norwegian, is truly unlike any other.

Songs like “Crack of Doom,” “Bråtebrann,” “1985,” “Mjød,” and “Blodtørst” are modern metal classics. In contrast with the self-seriousness of many contemporaries, Kvelertak’s music is fierce and fun. Tracks summoned on their brilliant new album, Endling, will undoubtedly become as beloved, from “Krøterveg te helvete” to “Skoggangr,” “Svart September” to the album’s astounding title track.

The band’s tour history reads like a roll call of heavy metal royalty. They supported Iron Maiden and Foo Fighters in Norway and toured with Slayer and Ghost. James Hetfield turned up at one of the band’s shows in San Francisco, California. Soon, Metallica took them on the WorldWired Tour.