Hoest


Ørjan Stedjeberg, better known by his stage name Hoest, is a Norwegian musician who is the founder and songwriter of black metal band Taake. Since the '90s, he has been the band's sole member, recording most instruments for the studio releases – counting eight studio albums and several EPs. As a frontman, Hoest is known for his energetic live performances.
He is also a member of the band Deathcult, the current live vocalist for Gorgoroth and Old Man's Child, and has previously been a member of Ragnarok and Ravengod.

Career

In 1993, Hoest—then known as Ulvhedin—formed the band Thule together with drummer Svartulv. After the release of two demos, in 1995, the band changed their name to Taake, while Ulvhedin adopted the stage name Hoest. Following further demos and the departure of Svartulv, Hoest remained as Taake's sole member.
In 1999, he released Taake's debut album Nattestid Ser Porten Vid, the first release in a trilogy of concept albums linked by the topics of "death, Norway, and the devil in man". Taake's sophomore album, Over Bjoergvin graater himmerik, was released in 2002 and saw the addition of several new band members. In 2005, Taake concluded the trilogy with the album Hordalands doedskvad and went on hiatus due to dissatisfaction with the black metal scene.
In 2008, Taake's self-titled fourth album was released, with Hoest performing all instruments and vocals. The band's fifth studio album, Noregs vaapen, features several prominent Norwegian black metal artists, including Attila Csihar, Nocturno Culto, Demonaz and Ivar Bjørnson. The album was nominated for the Norwegian Spellemann award in the Metal category.
In 2012, Hoest joined Gorgoroth as a live vocalist.
Taake released their sixth studio album, Stridens hus, in 2014. The album Kong Vinter was released in 2017, with critics praising Hoest and Taake's longevity. In 2023, Hoest released the band's first studio album in six years, Et Hav av Avstand.

Controversy

Hoest served prison sentences for assault in 2006 and 2007.
In March 2007, Hoest appeared on stage at a Taake show in Essen, Germany with a swastika painted on his chest. The incident sparked controversy and caused the band's remaining shows in Germany to be cancelled. Hoest later explained that the act was done to provocate and called it a spontaneous joke done in the spirit of punk.

Discography

With [Taake]

Studio albums
  • Nattestid Ser Porten Vid
  • Over Bjoergvin graater himmerik
  • Hordalands doedskvad
  • Taake
  • Noregs vaapen
  • Stridens hus
  • Kong Vinter
  • Et Hav av Avstand
Studio EPs
  • Nekro
  • Kveld
  • Kulde
  • Baktanker
Live EPs
  • Svartekunst
Compilation albums
  • Helnorsk svartmetall
  • The Box
  • Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner
  • 7 Fjell
  • ''Avvik''

    With Deathcult

Studio albums
Studio EPs
  • Bestial Recordings
  • ''Seven Are They''

    With Ragnarok">Ragnarok (Norwegian band)">Ragnarok

Studio albums
  • ''Blackdoor Miracle''

    With Ravengod

Studio EPs
  • Ravengod
  • ''Ravengod''

    Vocal and instrumental credits