Ørjan Stedjeberg (born 24 September 1977), is a Norwegian musician better known by his stage name Hoest.
Hoest 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 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.[1] After the release of two demos, in 1995, the band changed their name to Taake, while Ulvhedin adopted the stage name Hoest (Norwegian for "autumn"). 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".[2] 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.[3]
In 2012, Hoest joined Gorgoroth as a live vocalist.[5]
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.[6] In 2023, Hoest released the band's first studio album in six years, Et Hav av Avstand.[7]
Controversy
Hoest served prison sentences for assault in 2006 and 2007.[8][9][10]
In March 2007, Hoest appeared on stage at a Taake show in Essen, Germany with a swastika painted on his chest.[11] 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.[12][13]
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