Ørjan Stedjeberg

Ørjan Stedjeberg (born 24 September 1977), better known by his stage name Hoest, is a Norwegian musician who 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 Old Man's Child, 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. 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". 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.

In 2008, Taake's self-titled fourth album was released, with Hoest performing all instruments and vocals. The band's fifth studio album, Noregs vaapen (2011), features several prominent Norwegian black metal artists, including Attila Csihar, Nocturno Culto, Demonaz and Ivar Bjørnson. The album was nominated for the Norwegian Spellemann award in the Metal category.

In 2012, Hoest joined Gorgoroth as a live vocalist.

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. In 2023, Hoest released the band's first studio album in six years, Et hav av avstand.

Controversy Hoest served prison sentences for assault in 2006 and 2007.

In March 2007, Hoest appeared on stage at a Taake show in Essen, Germany with a swastika painted on his chest. 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.

Discography

With Taake Studio albums

Nattestid ser porten vid (Night-time sees the gate wide) (1999) Over Bjoergvin graater himmerik (Heaven weeps over Bergen) (2002) Hordalands doedskvad (Death poems of Hordaland) (2005) Taake (2008) Noregs vaapen (Norway's weapon) (2011) Stridens hus (House of strife) (2014) Kong vinter (King Winter) (2017) Et hav av avstand (A Sea of Distance) (2023) En skog av nidstang (A forest of nithing poles) (2026)

Studio EPs

Nekro (2007) Kveld (Evening) (2011) Kulde (Cold) (2014) Baktanker (Ulterior motives) (2017)

Live EPs

Svartekunst (Dark arts) (2008)

Compilation albums

Helnorsk svartmetall (All-Norwegian black metal) (2005) The Box (2005) Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner (Burial Chambers, Crowns and Thrones) (2013) 7 Fjell (7 Mountains) (2017) Avvik (Deviation) (2021)

With Deathcult Studio albums

Cult Of The Dragon (2007) Cult Of The Goat (2017)

Studio EPs

Bestial Recordings (2021) Seven Are They (2024)

With Ragnarok Studio albums

Blackdoor Miracle (2004)

With Ravengod Studio EPs

Ravengod (2017) Ravengod (2017)

Vocal and instrumental credits