Kaizers Orchestra

Kaizers Orchestra is a Norwegian alternative rock group. Owing to their energetic live concerts and critically praised recordings, they are among the most popular and acclaimed musical acts in their homeland, and have also gained international renown; they are among the first Norwegian artists (outside the genre of black metal) to gain international recognition and popularity while singing in their native language. Their work spans a multitude of genres, from ompa rock and gypsy punk to surf rock and rnb. Their lyrics, composed primarily by frontman Janove Ottesen with second guitarist Geir Zahl as the secondary contributor - concerning subject matter such as organized crime, war, underground resistance organizations and mental institutions - are often interconnected stories told through song. A distinctive symbol of Kaizers Orchestra is the gas mask worn by organist Helge Risa during performances. The band is currently on an indefinite hiatus that will last a number of years, at the very least.

The band was founded by Janove Ottesen and Geir Zahl, two childhood friends from the small town of Bryne, Rogaland, Norway. The two had earlier played in several bands together, including Blod, snått & juling, and gnom. The musical and lyrical style of Kaizers Orchestra was in part conceptualized during the active period of latter group. Despite the release of a studio album, Mys, any recognition eluded gnom. However, one song written during gnom's active period, called "Hemmelig beskjed", featuring a musical style the group themselves labeled "ompa" music, which elicited significant response from live audiences. This inspired Ottesen to compose a new song, "Bastard"; the song's dissonant sound and absurd storytelling lyrics, clearly inspired by Tom Waits, as well as the unusual inclusion of oil barrels as percussion, inspired them to reinvent their sound, image and name. Kaizers Orchestra was officially founded on 1 January 2000; it was initially a five-piece group that naturally evolved from gnom, with Ottesen as primary vocalist, Zahl as guitarist and secondary vocalist, drummer Rune Solheim, organist Helge Risa, and Jon Sjøen, an educated musician who had become a member of gnom after their previous bassist quit.

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