The Norwegian rock band Kaizers Orchestra was formed in Bergen in 2000. The two leading members, vocalist Janove Ottesen and guitarist Geir Zahl, had known each other for years and started their first band in 1991.
Their first album, Ompa Til Du Dør (Ompa Until You Die), was released on the underground label Broiler Farm in 2001.
It became a success, first in Norway, later in Denmark and the Netherlands. The second album, Evig Pint (Forever Tortured), was released late 2002 / early 2003. The music of Kaizers Orchestra is inspired by everything from Tom Waits's pessimistic lyrics and ompa-ompa to AC/DC's heavy metal. Their lyrics, written by Ottesen and Zahl, are all in Norwegian. They're regarded as one of Norway's best contemporary live bands, and are touring intensively.
Kaizers' goal has always been to be the best live band that Norway has ever produced. That they have achieved this aim has been confirmed not only by the plaudits that have been lavished on them by the press, but also by the number of awards they have won; they see their best reward in Norway's Alarm award for "Beste Liveband" (Best Live Band) in 2002.
With great reception from their audience Kaizers managed to play 150 concerts in a single year in little Norway. Then there was Denmark and the Roskilde festival; Summer 2002 marked a watershed for Kaizers when 14,000 people turned up at a 7,000 capacity festival tent. The concert was highly
acclaimed by the critics.....
