In 1993, Ørjan Stedjeberg (then known as 'Ulvhedin'), formed the first version of the band Taake under the name Thule, together with drummer 'Svartulv'. Thule released two demos, Der vinterstormene raste in 1993 and Omfavnet av svarte vinger in 1994. Shortly after, the band changed its name to Taake and 'Ulvhedin' adopted the new pseudonym 'Hoest' (meaning "autumn" or "harvest"). In 1995, the released the demo Manndaudsvinter in 1995. This was followed in 1996 by a 7" EP called Koldbrann i jesu marg.
Between 1999 and 2005, Taake released three full-length albums. They are a trilogy of concept albums linked by the topics of "death, Norway, and the devil in man".[4]
The first full-length album, Nattestid ser porten vid, was released by Wounded Love Records in 1999. The album was written entirely by Hoest, but he brought in a session musician, 'Tundra', to perform bass guitar and drums. It was recorded throughout 1997 and 1998 at the Grieg Hall.
The second installment of the trilogy, Over bjoergvin graater himmerik, was released in 2002 by Wounded Love Records. On this record, Hoest surrounded himself with a band: second guitarist 'C. Corax', bassist and pianist 'Keridwen', and drummer 'Mutt' (Gaahlskagg, Trelldom, Sigfader).
The final installment of the trilogy, Hordalands doedskvad, was released in 2005 by Dark Essence Records. It features second guitarist 'C. Corax', bassist 'Lava' and drummer 'Mord'. It also features several guest vocalists, including 'Nattefrost' (Carpathian Forest), 'Nordavind' (Carpathian Forest) and 'Taipan' (Orcustus).
Over the following three years, Taake released four short EPs and played a few festivals (most notably the Hole in the Sky Festival in Norway, with Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved on guitar), but according to Hoest, Taake was "on ice for a while".
Before the 2006–2007 European tour, Taake revamped their official homepage. Following the infamous March 2007 show in Essen, the band were removed from several festivals and received much backlash. At the same time, Lava, who had been bass guitarist since 2002, left the band.
In 2008, a fourth album was released, recorded entirely by Hoest and simply named Taake. The album was recorded for Hoest's own label Svartekunst Produksjoner, and was distributed via Dark Essence Records.
In 2011, Taake released the EP Kveld, featuring both new and re-recorded songs. This was followed shortly after by Taake's fifth full-length album, Noregs vaapen. Hoest collaborated with many prominent Norwegian black-metallers for this record including Attila Csihar, Nocturno Culto, Demonaz and Ivar Bjørnson. It was again released on his own label Svartekunst Produksjoner to much critical acclaim. The album was nominated for the prestigious Spellemann award in Norway for top metal release. This nomination was met with some derision due to anti-Islamic lyrics.
To mark the band's 20th anniversary, Taake released the compilation album Gravkamre, kroner og troner in 2013.
Taake played their first show in the United States in May 2014 at Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore.
In 2014, Taake released the sixth full-length album Stridens hus[8] and the EP Kulde through Dark Essence Records. In support of this record and as a follow up to their successful show in Maryland, Taake announced an East Coast US tour for the first time in their history, to begin in June 2015.
Part I
Taake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Skygger, mitt hoff så matt
Nostalgi opp trappen bratt
Mens trinnene blir færre
Søker, føler, finner
Min storhetstids grå minner
Dolken I beltet er slipt spisst Vingene for mitt øre
Alt jeg nå kan høre
"Dine sorger flyter, få smake, få bli"
Drev mig til mine grenser & langt forbi De siste blader daler
Det er ulendt terreng I li
�nders årstid taler
Ved regnfjell, skoddens hi
Jeg ser kun månens ansikt...
The lyrics to Taake's song Part I paint a vivid picture of a dark and desolate atmosphere. The first line, "Huset kaller meg Herre" (The house calls me master), sets the tone for the theme of power and dominance throughout the song. The singer describes himself as a powerful ruler, with "skygger, mitt hoff så matt" (shadows, my court so weak). As he climbs a steep staircase, he is consumed by nostalgia for his past glory. The lyrics suggest that his power is waning, as the steps become fewer and he yearns for the memories of his prime.
The singer continues to search and feel for his former greatness, recalling "min storhetstids grå minner" (my gray memories of my glory days). The sharp knife on his belt and the wings near his ear suggest that he is still capable of violence and destruction. He hears voices from the other side, calling for him to taste his pain and sorrow. He is driven to his limits and beyond, as he navigates treacherous terrain in the changing seasons. The lyrics come to a close with the singer looking up at the moon, alone in his power and his pain.
Overall, the lyrics of Taake's "Part I" depict a man struggling with his past and the loss of his power. The imagery is stark and haunting, and the theme of dominance and violence pervades each stanza.
Line by Line Meaning
Huset kaller meg Herre
The house addresses me as its lord
Skygger, mitt hoff så matt
Shadows, my court so dull
Nostalgi opp trappen bratt
Nostalgia up the steep stairway
Mens trinnene blir færre
While the steps become fewer
Søker, føler, finner
Seeking, feeling, finding
Min storhetstids grå minner
My great times' gray memories
Dolken I beltet er slipt spisst
The dagger in my belt is sharpened sharp
Vingene for mitt øre
Wings for my ear
Alt jeg nå kan høre
All I can hear now
Fra andre siden av dødsgnist:
From the other side of the death rattle:
"Dine sorger flyter, få smake, få bli"
"Your sorrows float, get a taste, get to stay"
Drev mig til mine grenser & langt forbi
Drove me to my limits and far beyond
De siste blader daler
The last leaves fall
Det er ulendt terreng I li
It's rough terrain in the slope
�nders årstid taler
Different time of year speaks
Ved regnfjell, skoddens hi
By rain mountain, shelter's den
Jeg ser kun månens ansikt...
I only see the moon's face...
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind