Gangar

Norway's Gangar brings a fresh take on Nordic roots music. The young, five-piece ensemble digs

deep into Norway's extensive folk music archives to come up with rare traditional tunes. -- and give

them new, modern arrangements influenced by rock, folk-metal, and jazz improvisation. Inspired by

such artists as Hoven Droven, Meshuggah, and AC/DC, Gangar's sound is driven by the unique

sound of Norway's Hardanger fiddle. Once vilified as "the devil's instrument" in folktales and

banned in churches, the hardanger is now celebrated as the country's national instrument, and gives

Gangar its distinctive sound. The band's mission is to bring traditional Norwegian melodies a wider

audience.

Since their first concert in 2021, Oslo-based Gangar have established themselves as one of

Norway’s most in-demand musical exports; with a fresh, original take on traditional Norwegian folk

and roots music. Gangar’s five members, Mattias Truell Thedens (Hardanger fiddle), Oskar

Goedvriend Lindberget (saxophone), Richard Max (guitar), Jonas Thrana Jensen (bass), and Henrik

Dullum (drums), bring an array of musical styles and expertise to bear on their music, creating a

unique, hybrid approach to traditional folk music.

Gangar are known as a formidable live band that consistently delivers shows filled with energy,

audience interaction, dancing, and top-shelf musicianship. This combination makes it hard for any

audience to keep their feet off of the dance floor. They’ve forged a deep bond with audiences at

home and abroad, playing shows all over Europe, Australia, and the USA at renowned festivals and

venues such as Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, Sziget Festival in Hungary, Celtic Connections in

Scotland, and Port Fairy Folk Festival in Australia

Gangar released their debut EP Tre Danser, on Heilo Records in the autumn of 2022, which Metal

Storm called “a short but sweet EP” and “a promising sign of things to come”, and their debut

album, Stubb delivered on that promise. With their second full-length album, recorded in 2024, and

set for release in 2026, Gangar elevate their sound with fearless new arrangements and exciting

collaborations with acclaimed guest artists.