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Current 93 Announce Live Performance at the Savoy Theatre — 16 September 2026

Norwegian Grammy-winning noise rock band Årabrot makes their Finnish debut on 22.5.2026 at Sellosali, Espoo 

Årabrot’s sonic landscape is a wide and wild field of purposeful contrasts. A world of friction between noise, disharmony, tension, and fmoments of harmony. Yet there is more than noise rock in their formula—a dark, velveteen grace emerges, hinting at influences from pop and cabaret.

At the heart of Årabrot is Nernes, who embodies the band itself. Formed in Haugesund, Norway, in 2001, Årabrot spent years navigating the blackened, grimey European noise rock underground. In 2014, Nernes’ life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The illness nearly claimed him, but the long, grueling process of treatment and recovery gave him space to reconsider his life—and his artistic practice.

Speaking from the deconsecrated church in Djura, Sweden, where he lives with his wife, musician Karin Park, and their young daughter, Nernes reflects on the experience: “I struggled through that period of extreme sickness by writing our album The Gospel (2016). It was like a big explosion. And after an explosion comes silence. In that silence, you realize that everything has changed—and it was in that silence that the new record was born.”

Having successfully recovered, Årabrot returned stronger than ever. The band has collaborated with renowned producers like Billy Anderson and Steve Albini, and musicians including Ted Parsons (Killing Joke/Swans), Stephen O’Malley (Sunn O)))), and Erlend Hjelvik (Kvelertak), further expanding their powerful and unique sound.

Experimental music pioneer Masami Akita, known worldwide by his moniker Merzbow, is set to deliver an exclusive performance at Ääniwalli in Helsinki on January 14, 2026.

The pioneer of experimental music, Masami Akita, better known as Merzbow, will perform in Finland for one night only – the exclusive show will take place at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki on January 14, 2026.

Having released music since 1980, Merzbow is regarded as one of the most significant and influential figures in the global noise music scene.

Growing up surrounded by psychedelic and progressive rock as well as free jazz, Akita became interested in Dadaism and Surrealism during his student years – influences that led to the creation of a completely distinctive and rule-defying sound world. His work played a key role in shaping the Japanese noise movement and has inspired countless experimental musicians around the world.

Merzbow is not only an artist but also an animal rights activist, whose ethical values are reflected in his art. Above all, however, he is a surprising and unpredictable performer – his live shows are grounded in experimentation, improvisation, and intense presence.

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