In Vain Bio

In Vain was formed by J. Haaland and A. Frigstad back in 2003, however the band first saw action during the summer of 2004 when recording their first release. The highly critically acclaimed “Will the Sun Ever Rise” was a three-track EP of unrelenting atmosphere, aggression and complexity. The release was embraced by metal heads and journalists alike. Fueled by the standing ovations and the great response from a united metal press, the band was soon back in the studio to record yet another. “Wounds” was released December 2005 and the music was more diverse, progressive and dramatic than ever, without sacrificing the brutal edge of its predecessor. Already at this point in the band’s recording career the strong musical craftsmanship is obvious with guest musicians playing saxophone, cello and percussion. Just like its' debut EP, Wounds received fantastic reviews and the band was launched as one of the most promising acts in the extreme metal scene. Shortly after they landed a deal with the Norwegian based label Indie Recordings, as the label’s first signing.

When their debut album was released in 2007, the metal world didn't know what hit them. “The Latter Rain” was recorded in DUB Studio (Green Carnation, Blood Red Throne & Chain Collector) in the summer/fall of 2006. The recording was a huge project involving close to 20 guest musicians and several guest vocalists such as legendary Jan K. Transeth (In the Woods...) and Kjetil Nordhus (Tristania, ex Green Carnation, ex Trail of Tears). Although the band kept the same vibe as on the two previous recordings the music was taken a step further, in every direction. A united metal press praised the album, and it was described as an instant classic.

After joining forces with Battered and label mates Vreid for a European tour, and several other live appearances such as the Inferno festival, and by:larm, the band went back to the drawing board and started to work on a new album.

Guitarist and song writer J. Haaland comments: "In January 2008 I was left with a choice: If we were going to record a new album, which for practical reasons had to happen in the summer, I needed to start working on music right away. I was working hard in the evenings and weekends trying to force myself to come up with cool ideas and songs. After a while I started to believe we would actually have enough songs to record a new full-length album."

In the summer of 2008, the band once again entered DUB studio, to record the sequel to "The Latter Rain". The recording process should turn out to be more difficult than they had ever imagined, and J. Haaland was close to giving up: "... It was a very hectic summer and the recording process was the worst I have ever been through. At one point I was thinking that destiny wanted us never to complete this album. I am extremely proud of the record and final product we were able to create, all the problems and circumstances taken into consideration. " In the end the band made it through the difficult time, and came out of it stronger then ever.

The band recorded 10 songs, including one rerecording of an old song and a cover song. Seven of these songs found their way on to the new album "Mantra" With brutal passages, progressive guitar riffs, beautiful melodies and a diverse use of vocal styles, the album continues the progression from "The Latter Rain".

The number of guest performances was more limited this time around, as J. Haaland wanted the band to be in focus. "This time around I wanted less guests and the album to be more a band effort. I think we succeeded with that". Still you will hear fantastic guest performances by Kjetil Nordhus (Tristania, ex Green Carnation, ex Trail of Tears), Gil Silverbird, Jan Kenneth Transeth (In the Woods...) and Hanne Kolstø (Love-Fi, Post).

With "Mantra", In Vain takes the step up amongst the heavyweights of the genre. This album proves that the band is in it for the long haul, and it is safe to say that this is the best In Vain-album to date. Keep your eyes open for "Mantra". 2010 is going to be the year of In Vain.

Haaland notes: "Hope you enjoy the new album, an album we put and extreme amount of energy and work into. An album which has given us a lot of frustration, but in the end an album we are extremely proud of."