Ansur

Ansur is a progressive extreme metal trio from Drammen, Norway with elements from both black and death metal, and 1970s progressive rock as well as other genres.

Ansur is originally the name of a Norse/Viking rune.^[1] Several other organizations also use the name, including a satellite communications company and a maker of horse saddles.

History

The band came originally came together as a black metal-based trio, comprising singer Espen A. R. Aulie, guitarist Torstein J. Nipe and bass player Aslak A. Werme. They came up with a self-titled demo, cut at Lyst & Glede Studios, a year later. Originally only 50 copies were pressed but South Korean label Nerbilous Productions re-issued the demo commercially, re-branding it as Carved In Flesh during 2005. Carved In Flesh received some underground press, at the hand of Nerbilous and Irminsul. That same year Werme exited, leaving Aulie to assume bass duties, as Ansur welcomed in new members second guitarist Stian A. Svenne and drummer Glenn G. A. Ferguson. Recording commenced on a debut album, entitled Axiom, in July 2005.

The band signed to Nocturnal Art Productions and Candlelight Records in March 2006, issuing the debut Axiom album in September. Axiom received good press both in Norway and Europe, and they were named "Norwegian newcomer of the year" by the Norwegian Scream Magazine. Axiom did not see a proper U.S. release, though it can be bought in American stores.

The band's second album is called Warring Factions. This unique album draws influences from varied metal generes as well as 1970s progressive rock, in the band's own special way. Warring Factions was released 21 April 2008 on Nocturnal Art/Candlelight, to much applause from the metal press.

Stian A. Svenne parted ways with the band just before the finishing of Warring Factions, and in came Audun Førde on organs (Førde also played the organ solo on the opening song on Warring Factions titled "The Tunguska Incident"). Førde parted with the band in late 2008, and was replaced by Nicolay Tangen Svennæs. Svennæs is the first member of the band with musical education, he has studied classical and jazz. Glenn Ferguson left the band in early 2010, due to musical differences.

It was announced on 12 June 2011, that writing music under the Ansur name had ceased, choosing to continue in a different direction under another band name, which has yet to be announced.

Members

Last line-up

• Torstein J. Nipe - guitars (2003–2011)
• Espen A. R. Aulie - bass and vocals (2003–2011)

Former members

• Nicolay T. Svennæs - keyboards (2008–2010)
• Glenn G. A. Ferguson - drums (2004–2010)
• Audun Førde - hammond organ (2008)
• Stian A. Svenne - guitars (2004–2008)
• Aslak A. Werme - bass (2003–2004)

Discography

• 2005: Carved in Flesh
• 2006: Axiom
• 2008: Warring Factions

References

External links

• Official Ansur website
• Ansur MySpace profile
• Nocturnal Art Productions
• Candlelight Records