Årabrot Frontman Kjetil Nernes on Art, Music, and the Band's Evolution
Founded in 2001 by Kjetil Nernes, the Norwegian noise-rock ensemble Årabrot underwent a significant transformation following his recovery from cancer and the inclusion of his partner, Karin Park. Based in Djura, Sweden, the band clinched a Norwegian Grammy for Best Metal in 2011 and received nominations for Best Rock and Album of the Year in 2017. Their most recent release, "Rite of Dionysus" (2025), garnered the Dalecarlia Awards for Best Album in 2026. Produced by Alain Johannes, it includes contributions from Jo Quail, Massimo Pupillo, and Tomas Järmyr. They are set to perform on July 31 in Raversbeuren, Germany, and on August 12 in Alba Iulia, Romania. Nernes believes that art is distinctly human and considers music to be closely tied to magic.
Key facts
- Årabrot founded in 2001 by Kjetil Nernes
- Won Norwegian Grammy Award for Best Metal in 2011
- Nominated for Best Rock and Album of the Year in 2017
- Album 'Rite of Dionysus' (2025) won Dalecarlia Awards Best Album in 2026
- Album produced and mixed by Alain Johannes
- Band based in Djura, Sweden, with studio in Djura Missionshus church
- Upcoming shows: July 31 at Loft Festival (Germany), August 12 at Dark Bombastic Evening (Romania)
- Nernes cites '2001: A Space Odyssey' and Odd Nerdrum as favorite visual art
Entities
Artists
- Kjetil Nernes
- Karin Park
- Billy Anderson
- Steve Albini
- Greg Norman
- Alain Johannes
- Jo Quail
- Massimo Pupillo
- Tomas Järmyr
- Odd Nerdrum
- David Bowie
- Captain Beefheart
Institutions
- Årabrot
- Zu
- Motorpsycho
- Loft Festival
- Dark Bombastic Evening
- Artribune
Locations
- Djura
- Sweden
- Raversbeuren
- Germany
- Alba Iulia
- Romania
- Wembley