Zak En As formed in 1991 with vocalist Neil Brian Wiskus, guitarist Ivar Smedstad, and drummer Frode Glesnes. Their early material dealt with difficult subjects like war and mental illness, which sometimes drew criticism. The band's debut album 'Bergen Belsen Blues' came out in 1995, with the title track addressing the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
Their sound shifted over time, taking on industrial and electronic elements on later records like 'Self-Destructive Movements' from 1997 and 'Iris' from 2000. Other songs in their catalog include 'Boek nu, schrijf later' and 'Het Allahlied.' Wiskus remained the consistent member through various lineup changes that included drummer Nick Barker and bassist Simen Hestnæs at different points.
They kept recording through the 2000s, putting out 'The Last Supper in Black' in 2005. The group developed a following in underground metal circles, though their work often stayed challenging and outside mainstream acceptance.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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