The band was formed by drummer David Husvik and guitarist Christer Espevoll, who had been playing together and wanted to start a band. Peter Espevoll became their vocalist. In 1994, bassist Eystein Holm joined the band just before their first gig. Emil Nikolaisen joined as a second guitarist in 1995.
In 1996, they recorded for Norwegian metal compilation, "Northern Lights". Later that year they recorded "Embraced", a short demo. Ole Børud, formerly known for his death/doom project Schaliach, soon replaced Nikolaisen, who wanted to give more attention to his other projects. Extol's debut album, "Burial", was released in 1997 on Endtime Productions and showcased a death metal sound. It was licenced to the US through Solid State Records and to Japan through Avalon Records. The next year, they released the EP, "Mesmerized", which featured three industrial remixes of songs from "Burial" by the bands Raison d'être and Sanctum. Eystein was replaced by Tor Magne Glidje on bass. "Undeceived" was released two years after "Burial", and featured a heavier and darker sound. Then Ole left the band, so Tor Glidje switched over to guitar, and John Robert Mjåland joined as bassist.
In 2001, another EP, "Paralysis", was recorded; to be released in Sweden only. This EP featured a cover of "Shadow of Death" by the reputed American avant-garde/thrash metal band Believer, whom the band considers to be a great influence. After "Paralysis", Tor Magne left the band to focus on his other project, Ganglion, and Ole returned to the line-up. After "Undeceived" was released, Extol was no longer obligated to Endtime, and they signed with Century Media in 2002.
"Synergy", released in 2003, saw the band evolve into a technical thrash unit. Lead singer Peter Espevoll has said that it was largely a tribute to the band Believer. The music on the album is very similar to Believer's style of thrash metal. Following the release, Extol toured Europe and US with the Swedish progressive death metal group Opeth.
In June 2004, Ole Børud and Christer Espevoll left Extol to "invest their time and energy elsewhere". Taking their place as permanent members in the band are the return of Tor Magne Glidje and Ole Halvard Sveen, both from Ganglion, that merged with Extol when four out of five band members ended up playing in both bands.
In 2005, the band released what could be considered their most diverse album; "The Blueprint Dives".
A music video was shot for the song "Pearl." The album was nominated for the Norwegian Grammy, Spellemannprisen, for best Norwegian metal album in 2005. Also, "Blueprint" was voted for the Top 5 metal albums of the year list by the readers of one the biggest newspapers in Norway, Dagbladet. The album received rave reviews: For example, Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic gave the album 4.5/5 and wrote:
"To Extol's greatest credit, offhand comparisons to other bands are almost impossible!"
Afterward, Extol toured Europe with Mastodon, God Forbid, Opeth, and the US with Haste the Day, Becoming the Archetype, and The Showdown.
On August 9, 2007 the band announced through their MySpace page that they were currently on a hiatus.
In 2012, the production of the crowd funded film 'Extol - The Documentary' marked the return of the band. On a facebook post, the remaining members, Peter Espevoll and David Husvik, along with former member Ole Børud, announced that the band was back and that they were in the process of reccording the fifth album of the band.
Discography:
Studio albums:
* 1998: Burial (Endtime Productions)
* 2000: Undeceived (Endtime Productions, re-issued by Century Media in 2003)
* 2003: Synergy (Century Media)
* 2005: The Blueprint Dives (Century Media)
Miscellanious:
* 1997: Embraced (demo)
* 1999: Mesmerized (EP, Endtime Productions)
* 2001: Paralysis (EP, Endtime Productions)
Sideprojects:
The band members have all, at different times, had different projects. The current members of the band at various times were all members of post-thrash/rock group Ganglión. Ole Sveen, John Mjåland, and Tor Glidje comprise the avant-garde black-metal band Lengsel. David Husvik has played for The Crest and technical thrash group Absurd, and collaborated with former Spiral Architect members for Twisted Into Form.
Former member Ole Børud was a solo artist, Christer Espevoll has joined post-hardcore/metalcore band Benea Reach (former Selfmindead members); he also played on Absurd². Former guitarist Emil Nikolaisen currently plays guitar and lead vocals for indie rock band Serena Maneesh and was previously with Scandinavian indie band Royal.
Betrayal
Extol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crawling in mud searching for scraps
Excruciating stench of decaying remains
Constant starvation, a state of nothingness
Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Betraying the least of my brothers
Excluded, Imprisoned, defenseless
You see them tortured, abandoned
Laying on the ground left for dead
Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Betraying the least of my brothers
Failing Me
A refugee in a strange land
Mistrusted and hated
Human beings denied fundamental rights
Exposed to fear and intimidation
Desperate cries of dismay - isolated
Like worthless creatures - nonexistent
Betrayal of the outcasts
You are the accursed goats herded to doom
Turning away from the sight of the needy
Turn away from Me, to a place for the wicked
The opening lyrics of Extol's song "Betrayal" portrays a grim picture of suffering and desperation. The imagery of filth, dust, mud, decaying remains, and constant starvation paint a picture of desolation and hopelessness. The lyrics then shift from describing the experience of the marginalized to the failure to support them. The singer laments betraying the overlooked and ignored, especially the least of his brothers, who are excluded, imprisoned, defenseless, tortured, and left for dead. The theme of failing the vulnerable is reinforced in the chorus, with the repetition of "failing the overlooked, the ignored, betraying the least of my brothers/failing Me."
The second verse describes the plight of refugees, who are mistrusted, hated, denied fundamental rights, and exposed to fear and intimidation. The desperate cries of dismay and isolation, coupled with the imagery of being treated like worthless creatures, underscore the betrayal of outcasts. The final line of the song issues a warning to those who turn away from sight of the needy, calling them to turn away from a place for the wicked.
Overall, the lyrics of "Betrayal" call for empathy, compassion, and action towards the marginalized and vulnerable. The song denounces the failure to support those who are suffering and the betrayal of the least of one's brothers/sisters as a betrayal of the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Living amidst filth and dust
Existing in an environment of dirt and dry particles
Crawling in mud searching for scraps
Crawling through the wet soil in search of the smallest bits of food
Excruciating stench of decaying remains
A very unpleasant smell of decomposing bodies
Constant starvation, a state of nothingness
A perpetual lack of food leading to emptiness
Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Not meeting the needs of those who have been disregarded
Betraying the least of my brothers
Deceiving and abandoning the most helpless members of society
You see them shivering, in solitude
You observe them trembling, alone
Excluded, Imprisoned, defenseless
Left out, confined, vulnerable
You see them tortured, abandoned
You witness them being subjected to cruel treatment, deserted
Laying on the ground left for dead
Reclining on the floor with no hope of survival
Failing Me
Disappointing the Lord
A refugee in a strange land
An individual who has fled to an unfamiliar country
Mistrusted and hated
Doubted and despised
Human beings denied fundamental rights
People deprived of basic entitlements
Exposed to fear and intimidation
Subjected to the threat of danger and harassment
Desperate cries of dismay - isolated
Sorrowful and hopeless wails - cut off from contact
Like worthless creatures - nonexistent
Similar to worthless animals - not even present
Betrayal of the outcasts
Treacherous actions towards the rejected
You are the accursed goats herded to doom
You are like the cursed goats being guided to their fate
Turning away from the sight of the needy
Looking away from those who require assistance
Turn away from Me, to a place for the wicked
Abandon Me and go towards a place of evil
Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
drummer1984
I recommend checking out the other bandmember's bands. Ole Børud (clean vocal/guitar in Extol) is in Fleshkiller.
Drummer and former Extol guitarist are in Azusa which has released two albums now.
Several of former Extol members are in other bands like Mantric and Lengsel :)
After 8 years since Extol broke up, former Extol vocalist is finally playing music again. His project Hrada, will release a single 17th of june this year! :)
Also worth checking out former projects. This song was also later recorded on an Extol album.
Ganglion's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_SeEEMxfo
Extol's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OeZGC1bhU
Guitearist
It's unfair that these gents aren't massively famous. Not even coming from a religious standpoint, Extol are a treasure. Genius in all aspects.
Gee_JO!
They're highly respected in metal circles. One of Obscura's guitarists rates them highly. Before they split they were on tour with Opeth, God Forbid and Mastodon. That should tell you something. And when they came back they scooped an interview with The Wall Street Journal. They've contributed to the scene and are now doing their own things. I'm just glad we have them. Imagine what would have happened had they never picked up their instruments.
Roberto Reyes
Just incredible. That 9/8 fusion-esque chorus is just gorgeous. Love the visceral death brutality and prog metal elements.
laura masters
this is the first time i've ever heard of this band and their music is fantastic
Serlok Brixe
I just discovered this awesome band in March or so, and I love 'em! White metal is just like black metal, but not... White mteal is awesome! Extol is awesome! Thank you, Extol! We love you!
drummer1984
I recommend checking out the other bandmember's bands. Ole Børud (clean vocal/guitar in Extol) is in Fleshkiller.
Drummer and former Extol guitarist are in Azusa which has released two albums now.
Several of former Extol members are in other bands like Mantric and Lengsel :)
After 8 years since Extol broke up, former Extol vocalist is finally playing music again. His project Hrada, will release a single 17th of june this year! :)
Also worth checking out former projects. This song was also later recorded on an Extol album.
Ganglion's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_SeEEMxfo
Extol's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OeZGC1bhU
Matt
Its a shame this album has gone so unnoticed. Its absolute music perfection.
Dan Andersson
Who would have thought that Believer and King's X influences work so great together. This song is pure gold!
Gee_JO!
When I discovered Extol long after they'd called it quits, I never thought they'd make a comeback album containing one of my favourite songs in their entire discography. Now that's what you call expert songwriting.
Rav David | Live Studio Sessions
I cry a little inside every time I hear this song. Damn beautiful work of art.