Miksha

Industrial metal was MEANT to come from Norway; rolling uninhabitable tundra, gigantic fjords and a people with a penchant for devouring whales and cuddly reindeer. How much more industrial do you need?

Tor Age Ballo (guitars), Fritz R. Pettersen (vocals) and Kim-Erling Johansen (drums) were bought up in Vadso - a town so far north, its almost the Arctic, and so far east, its almost Russian. They recently played the towns music festival and the most positive statement was its very loud. The greatest bands have suffered this hometown frustration.

Being brought up in a place where your piss freezes in the black sunless winter, dried reindeer heart is a delicacy and the nearest party is a two day drive obviously has an effect on you. Think of the derelict Chicago industrial scene or the bleak introspective German digital hardcore scene, add to this the fact that its quicker to travel from Oslo to Rome than it is from Vads to Norways capital and you find yourself with three choices; drink heavily, cry (although your tears will freeze and rip your skin) or move out as quickly as you can.

In 2002 the band relocated to Trondheim (Norways third city), they have created a name synonymous with a great live show and a professional, friendly attitude to boot. But watch your back, as they will grab your balls and squeeze hard if you let your guard down. Beware the drunken Viking.

The problem with Vads was no scene, no bands, and no one to play to. The overcrowded Trondheim scene was a welcome, although unexpected, problem. Now the band couldnt get rehearsal space, couldnt find the second guitarist they so badly needed (EVERYONE is in a band in Trondheim) and couldnt book any studio time to record the demo to get the shows.

An old snowboarding friend turned up in Trondheim and many beers later, Mathis S. Mathisen was onboard as the second guitarist. Straight from the icy tundra and into the frying pan the band had two days to practice for their set at the citys annual battle of the bands!

After two hurried 24 hour rehearsals in Tors front room (and many complaints from the rest of the apartments blocks tenants) the band took to the stage in front of an apathetic audience, all wondering who the hell they were.

By the end of the set they had the 600 strong crowd baying for more, so much so that they walked away with the coveted Best Band In Trondheim trophy and a recording contract with Norways Dsign Records.

This early success led to the 2002 4-track [Mikza][ e:p] defining their combination of electronics, hardcore and metal into the Metalcore Machinery.

The [Mikza][ e:p]' garnered praise from the Norwegian press, and the video for Half the Battle was played more than Britney Spears on Norwegian MTV. After a series of dates in Norway and the UK, they recorded their debut Album - Collect your Hazardous Waste.