Ansur

Infobox musical artist
Name = Ansur

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Img_capt = Ansur anno 2006
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Drammen, Norway
Genre = Progressive extreme metal
Years_active = 2003 - present
Label = Candlelight Records/
Nocturnal Art Productions/
Nerbilous Productions/
Irminsul Records
URL = [http://www.ansursite.com/ ANSURSITE.com]
Current_members = Torstein J. Nipe
Glenn G. A. Ferguson
Espen A. R. Aulie
Audun Førde

Ansur is a progressive extreme metal playing quartet from Drammen, Norway with elements from both black and death metal, and 70s progressive rock as well as other genres.

Ansur is originally the name of a Norse/Viking rune. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Runic_alphabet] . Several other organizations also use the name, including a satellite communications company and a maker of horse saddles.

History

The band came originally came together as a black metal-based trio, comprising singer Espen A. R. Aulie, guitarist Torstein J. Nipe and bass player Aslak A. Werme. They came up with a self-titled demo, cut at Lyst & Glede Studios, a year later. Originally only 50 copies were pressed but South Korean label Nerbilous Productions re-issued the demo commercially, re-branding it as Carved In Flesh during 2005. Carved In Flesh received some underground press, at the hand of Nerbilous and Irminsul.That same year Werme exited, leaving Aulie to assume bass duties, as Ansur welcomed in new members second guitarist Stian A. Svenne and drummer Glenn G. A. Ferguson. Recording commenced on a debut album, entitled Axiom, in July 2005.

The band signed to Nocturnal Art Productions and Candlelight Records in March 2006, issuing the debut "Axiom" album in September."Axiom" received good press both in Norway and Europe, and they were named "Norwegian newcomer of the year" by the Norwegian Scream Magazine. "Axiom" did not see a proper U.S. release, though it can be bought in American stores.
Stian A. Svenne parted ways with the band just before the finishing of Warring Factions, and in came Audun Førde on organs. Førde also played the organ solo on the opening song on Warring Factions titled "The Tunguska Incident".

Present

Ansur is currently planning and playing live shows in Norway.

Members

Current members

* Torstein J. Nipe - guitars
* Espen A. R. Aulie - bass and vocals
* Glenn G. A. Ferguson - drums
* Audun Førde - hammond organ

Former members

* Stian A. Svenne - guitars (2004 - 2008)
* Aslak A. Werme - bass (2003 - 2004)

Discography

* 2005: "Carved In Flesh"
* 2006: "Axiom"
* 2008: "Warring Factions"

External links

* [http://www.ansursite.com Official Ansur website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/ansuriste Ansur MySpace profile]
* [http://www.nocturnalart.com Nocturnal Art Productions]
* [http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk Candlelight Records]
* [http://www.avantgarde-metal.com/content/stories2.php?id=15 Ansur interview 2007]