Norwegian black metal band Taake is primarily the work of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist U. Host, who founded the group in 1993 amid the rash of church burnings and other crimes virtually responsible for launching the scene. Recruiting drummer Svartulv, over the next three years Host recorded a series of demos steeped in ancient Viking lore and ruthlessly brutal black metal values. Finally debuting commercially in 1996 with the Koldbrann I Jesu Marg E.P. (featuring new drummer/bassist Tundra), Taake went on to release two full-length albums, 1999's Nattestid and 2002's Bjoergvin, before Host left to join fellow Norwegian black metallers Ragnarok as vocalist. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide
