Undertakers is a norwegian band which plays a really nice form of punkrock and Ole from the group answers my questions in the middle of november 2024.

Tell me a little how it all started, why and when ?

-Actually, the band has been around since 2013, and started as more of a thrash rock band. Since then the lineup and the sound has changed drastically. The band was kind of falling apart in 2019, and I was asked to audition for the role as lead vocalist, which resulted in me becoming both the vocalist and main songwriter for the band, hence the change in sound and genre.

Tell me a little about every member, name, age bands before?

-Karl Skorstad, 36 (drums) - Only remaining member from the original lineup, and an old friend of mine who I have been playing with in a couple of smaller projects earlier on. 

Ole Pedersen, 36 (lead vocals) - Joined Undertakers in 2019. Have played in some smaller projects with both Karl and Vegard earlier. 

Johan Grødal, 31 (lead guitar) - Joined in 2019. Has played in both Rag Dolls and Papa Sierra before joining Undertakers.

Vegard Myrdal Berg, 35 (bass) - joined in 2021. Originally a drummer (a really good one) but just as good of a bass player. Vegard is also the drummer of If Nothing Is and Saligia, and former member of Shotgun Rodeo and Necksnap.

Runar Bu Karlsen, 29 (rythm guitar) - joined in 2024. He is also the guitarist and vocalist in the band Grex.

Undertakers, is it any deeper meaning with the name en wasn´t you afraid that not another band already have token it?

-I have to admit the name itself has no deeper meaning other than being a badass band name, but we have plans to dig deeper and figure out how to incorporate the name to our image.

When we started in 2013 there were no active bands using the name, so that was not an issue. Later on there has been popping up quite a few bands using the same name, ’though we’re the only ones worth your while. Just joking, Haha! Or am I?

Have you done anything more that the new record Ivory Tower?

-Our self-titled album was released in 2017, but we no longer play any of the songs live as the current members don't have any connection to the songs. We wanted to start with fresh slates, as the band is no longer the same band as it once were. With the new lineup we released the EP; Resurgence, in 2021.

We have also released a (anti) Christmas song called (I Can't Wait to) Leave this Christmas Behind. You should check it out and add it to your Christmas playlist.

Are you satisfied with the record? Is there anything you could have done better?

-We’re quite satisfied with how it all turned out. If there is one thing we would change, it has to be that we would love to have written a few more songs than the 12 ones on the album, so that we could pick and choose amongst our favorite tracks. But other than that we're really proud of what we have accomplished with this one, and we love each track on there.

Also we're very happy with Ivar Nikolaisen (Kvelertak, The Good the Bad and the Zugly) wanting joining us on co-lead vocals on the track “It's All Gone to Shit”. He did such an amazing job! Thank you Ivar!

Was it no talking about only put out the record digital? Or does it feel that you haven´t release a record then?

-No, not really. Although being able to spread our music out worldwide via Spotify and other streaming services is a good thing promotion wise, there is no money to make from it. Also, most of us in the band are record collectors, so there was not much of a question about releasing the album physically on vinyl. It just had to be done.

How is it to play this sort of music in Norway?

-Haha. Well, our genre is not exactly mainstream in Norway, so you get nothing for free or without putting in a lot of work. But there is still a really good underground following in the major cities like Trondheim and Oslo. 

Any good bands from Norway you can tell me about?

-The big one in our genre would have to be The Good the Bad and the Zugly. They are really good, and such a nice couple of dudes. Also, we would recommend checking out Pappasaft, Aktiv Dödshjelp, Fights and Dangerface. Also I want to mention a new band from Trondheim called SKULK. I predict a bright future for them.

Any good swedish bands you like?

-We love Scumbag Millionaire and would love to be able to play with them some time. Also Björnarna is a really good one. We're big fans of harmonies, and Björnarna has got that box checked for sure.

You have never thought about singing in Norwegian?

-The song Vultures on our new album actually has an alternate version with Norwegian lyrics, although it was sadly never recorded. Maybe we'll redcord it later on and release it, who knows? But other than that we’ll probably stick to English lyrics.

Tell me a little about the following songs

-It´s all gone shit

-Mindless sheep

-Indoctrination?

It’s All Gone to Shit was actually one of the first songs written for the album, during the corona epidemic, and the lock down of society. It was one of those songs that just kinda wrote itself because of all the frustration and anger I had inside during that time, being locked inside, not being able to meet friends, go to concerts etc. It was a really shitty time, hence the name.

Mindless Sheep is about people following orders blindly, without question, and a call for people to snap out of it and think for themselves.

Indoctrination is about not being content with how society is governed, and about not fitting into society’s norms. We’re all different, yet there is really no room for being different. We cannot all be squares. Some of us just aren’t.

In general, people allow themselves to be dominated, and accept far too much without standing up for themselves and saying; enough is enough. I wish more people would second guess and let their voice be heard instead of accepting blindly.

Music and politics, is it the right way to go? Your most political song?

-If you’ve got something worthwhile saying politically, I believe it can be a good way to go, especially if you're able to incorporate some humor.

We have taken a lot of influence from punk rock, and even though we're not really a political band, we have brought to light some of our frustrations regarding politics and politicians. Our most political song has got to be VULTURES. It's about politicians who lie through their teeth, not having the people's best interests in mind, but instead act to further their own agenda.

When you play live, which is your biggest strength?

-I will have to say the love for what we do, and the energy we bring. There's nothing like playing in front of an eager audience. Also everyone in the band sings, so the backing and harmonies are strong.

Have you only played in Norway?

-As of now we have only played in Norway, although we would love to change that. We actually got an invitation to play at Mood Indigo festival in Mumbai, India later this year, but had to kindly refuse due to the cost of getting there. We would rather spend it on new merch for the upcoming tour.

How is it to live in Norway nowadays do you think?

-Expensive! Everything has increased a lot these past couple of years. Music is still thriving tho. Other than that, Norway is a great country to live in. It could be worse, for sure.

What is the most peculiar that some reviewer have compared you too?

-I can’t say we've gotten any peculiar comparisons. If I have to name one, it has to be that our sound once was described as Turbonegro, but for people who like motorcycles more than the average Joe. Can't say I fully understood that one.

You mainly play punkrock or what do you call your music?

-We define ourselves as a Scandirock band, but don't want to limit ourselves to a specific genre with no exceptions. We draw influence from both rock, punk, hardcore and metal. And if we in the future find influences elsewhere, we’re not gonna let any genre limit us. If we like it, we play it.

Which type,of people comes to your concerts?

-All kinds of people, from teenagers to people well up in their fifties. As mentioned earlier, the underground following in Norway is pretty great, and the younger generation of punk rockers is growing by the minute.

If you could choose five bands to have a big concert with Undertakers and you can choose both dead and band which is playing today? Which five bands do you want to play together with? 

-That’s a really difficult question, but we’ll have to say

NOFX,Turbonegro with Hank Von Hell on vocals, Alice in Chains with Lane Staley, Black Sabbath and Van Halen. I also have to mention Chris Cornell and Mark Tremonti. One of the best there is.

Is Fucking North Pole Records a good label?

-FNPR is a smaller label based in Trondheim, and one of the best Norwegian ones in the punk rock genre. 

We're really grateful for the cooperation. Also Robert Dyrnes (of FNPR) is one hell of a great guy.

Do you buy physical records yourself?

-YES! Everything worth listening to is a must have on vinyl. If you like the band, support them by buying records and going to concerts. 

Which was the first you bought and the latest and do you have any really expensive record in your collection?

-The first record I (Ole) remember buying was Americana by The Offspring, and my latest buy was From Zero by Linkin Park and The End Will Show Us How by Tremonti.

For Johan the first record was Guns & Roses Greatest hits, and the last one was Hur Fort Ska Man Gå? by Hey Gloria.

Vegard’s first record was Kill ‘Em All by Metallica, and the latest one was Grief by Zeal & Ardor.

The first record Karl remember buying was 20 Greatest Hits by KISS and the last one was Research and Destroy by The Good the Bad and the Zugly.

For Runar the first was either Billy Talent’s self-titled debut album or Songs for the Deaf by Queens of the Stone Age, although as his first ever record he was gifted Justified by Justin Timberlake. The most recent was Dark Rainbow by Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes.

What happens now with the band when you have released the new record, are there a lot of concerts now?

-We’ll play our first show promoting the new album in Trondheim on November 15th. Other than that we are currently working on a Norwegian tour as we speak. Would love to do a couple of shows abroad as well, especially in Germany, England, and the USA. We would love to visit our brothers in Sweden as well.

Futureplans otherwise for the band?

-I’m almost done writing a new record, so hopefully we’ll be back in the studio next year to record an even better album. In the meantime we’ll play as many shows as we're able to, and continue writing new material as we go.

For yourself?

-I have just recently started playing guitar again after breaking my wrist earlier this year, so hopefully it will get easier. Also I have plans to further develop my scream vocals.

Wisdomword?

-If you can dream it, you can do it. All it takes is a LOT of time and practice, but if you want it hard enough, nothing’s really impossible. Also, never be afraid of getting no for an answer. Chances are you’ll get a yes now and then.

Something more to add?

-Listen to our new record IVORY TOWER and follow us for more music in the future. Thank you!