We finally know what label Kvelertak is signing to in the states, and it comes as somewhat of a surprise. The band’s sophomore album Meir will be coming out on Roadrunner. Meir will be released on March 26th. The first single, “Bruane Brenn” will be available on iTunes starting on February 5. There will also be a CD/T-shirt bundle available for preorder at Roadrunner’s webstore on that day. Like their first album, the new one was produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou.
This is probably one of the best moves that Roadrunner could have made. Battling questionable press after the consolidation of the company into Warner Music Group, and faced with some bands leaving the label (Megadeth, Machine Head), this definitely helps restore some cred and identity to the label. While Kvelertak isn’t necessarily an underground band, signing a band that sings entirely in Norwegian isn’t necessarily the move that a label that was playing it totally safe would do. Not to mention, there was quite the bidding war happening for the new album. When we saw the band play with Converge and Torche last year, there were a handful of A&R peeps from other labels in town to meet with the band and their management. This shows that Roadrunner can play with the big boys.
