Extol
Extol: A Force Beyond Reach
Extol, the Norwegian metal band, has left an indelible mark on the Christian music scene with their unique blend of melodic death metal and spiritual lyrics. Their journey has been one fraught with both triumphs and tribulations, a testament to their unwavering faith and musical prowess.
Formative Years and Rising Stardom
Extol's genesis can be traced back to the late 1990s in the town of Bjugn, Norway. United by their shared passion for metal and their Christian beliefs, the band's founding members, Tor Magne Gjertsen (vocals), David Husvik (guitars), John Robert Morken (bass), and Christer Espevoll (drums), embarked on a musical odyssey that would forever alter the landscape of Christian metal.
With the release of their debut album, "Burial," in 1998, Extol announced their arrival with a resounding bang. The album's intricate guitar work, thunderous rhythms, and Gjertsen's soaring vocals captivated audiences worldwide. They followed up with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Undeceived" (2000) and "Blueprint" (2001), which solidified their status as one of the most formidable forces in the Christian metal genre.
Challenges and Controversies
Extol's ascent to fame was not without its obstacles. In the early 2000s, the band faced criticism from some sectors of the Christian community who questioned the compatibility of their music with their faith. Undeterred, Extol remained steadfast in their beliefs, arguing that their music could serve as a bridge between the world of heavy metal and the message of Christianity.
The band also faced tragedy in 2005 when Morken was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. Despite undergoing surgery and treatment, Morken sadly passed away in 2007, leaving a profound void within the band. In his memory, Extol released the album "The Blueprint Diaries" (2008), a compilation of unreleased tracks that paid tribute to his immense talent.
Later Years and Legacy
In the years following Morken's passing, Extol continued to release music, albeit at a slower pace. Their 2013 album, "Extol," marked a return to their classic sound, featuring a heavy dose of melodic death metal and thought-provoking lyrics. The band also embarked on occasional tours, performing to enthusiastic crowds who remained loyal to their unique brand of music.
Extol's legacy is one that transcends genre boundaries. Their music has inspired countless musicians and fans, proving that faith and heavy metal can coexist harmoniously. Through their challenges and triumphs, Extol has demonstrated the transformative power of music and its ability to unite people from all walks of life.
Discography
* Burial (1998)
* Undeceived (2000)
* Blueprint (2001)
* Synergy (2003)
* The Blueprint Diaries (2008)
* Extol (2013)
Members
Current Members:
* Tor Magne Gjertsen - Vocals
* David Husvik - Guitars
* Christer Espevoll - Drums
Former Member:
* John Robert Morken - Bass (deceased)
Extol, the Norwegian metal band, has left an indelible mark on the Christian music scene with their unique blend of melodic death metal and spiritual lyrics. Their journey has been one fraught with both triumphs and tribulations, a testament to their unwavering faith and musical prowess.
Formative Years and Rising Stardom
Extol's genesis can be traced back to the late 1990s in the town of Bjugn, Norway. United by their shared passion for metal and their Christian beliefs, the band's founding members, Tor Magne Gjertsen (vocals), David Husvik (guitars), John Robert Morken (bass), and Christer Espevoll (drums), embarked on a musical odyssey that would forever alter the landscape of Christian metal.
With the release of their debut album, "Burial," in 1998, Extol announced their arrival with a resounding bang. The album's intricate guitar work, thunderous rhythms, and Gjertsen's soaring vocals captivated audiences worldwide. They followed up with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Undeceived" (2000) and "Blueprint" (2001), which solidified their status as one of the most formidable forces in the Christian metal genre.
Challenges and Controversies
Extol's ascent to fame was not without its obstacles. In the early 2000s, the band faced criticism from some sectors of the Christian community who questioned the compatibility of their music with their faith. Undeterred, Extol remained steadfast in their beliefs, arguing that their music could serve as a bridge between the world of heavy metal and the message of Christianity.
The band also faced tragedy in 2005 when Morken was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. Despite undergoing surgery and treatment, Morken sadly passed away in 2007, leaving a profound void within the band. In his memory, Extol released the album "The Blueprint Diaries" (2008), a compilation of unreleased tracks that paid tribute to his immense talent.
Later Years and Legacy
In the years following Morken's passing, Extol continued to release music, albeit at a slower pace. Their 2013 album, "Extol," marked a return to their classic sound, featuring a heavy dose of melodic death metal and thought-provoking lyrics. The band also embarked on occasional tours, performing to enthusiastic crowds who remained loyal to their unique brand of music.
Extol's legacy is one that transcends genre boundaries. Their music has inspired countless musicians and fans, proving that faith and heavy metal can coexist harmoniously. Through their challenges and triumphs, Extol has demonstrated the transformative power of music and its ability to unite people from all walks of life.
Discography
* Burial (1998)
* Undeceived (2000)
* Blueprint (2001)
* Synergy (2003)
* The Blueprint Diaries (2008)
* Extol (2013)
Members
Current Members:
* Tor Magne Gjertsen - Vocals
* David Husvik - Guitars
* Christer Espevoll - Drums
Former Member:
* John Robert Morken - Bass (deceased)