Nattestid...' (simply meaning 'Night time') is but a small representation of my inner feelings, thoughts and emotions; fractions of my aggression, frustration, yearnings and melancholy. All expressed metaphorically through self-created old Norwegian lyrics scenery, accompanied by my own interpretation of extreme metal. The material on this album was created between '94/97 and the recordings started in the summer of '97.
Høst / Taake interview, Toroddfuglesteg, 1999
Høst released the debut TAAKE album on this day in 1999 through Wounded Love Records.
After a few line-up changes since the beginning, I do now regard myself as the only permanent member of Taake (having been always the sole creator of all music and lyrics for the band): But on this debut album however, I was aided by Mr. F. Arctander (Tundra) and his battery, bass and choir talents. I do guitars and vocals myself.
Høst / Taake interview, Toroddfuglesteg, 1999
It is indeed a purely Norwegian release, but I would not call the cover graphics a 'Viking concept'. Having strictly Norwegian lyrics I chose to also write them in our very own writing form, for the extra Norse touch.
I would place Taake amongst the very few bands that still value the primeval aspects of Norwegian Black metal; the factors that made thias style the extraordinary phenomenon it started out as. Comparisons I will leave up to others to make.
Høst / Taake interview, Toroddfuglesteg, 1999