Windir is a Norwegian black metal band from Sogndal. Formed in 1994, the group ceases all activity in 2004 after the death of its singer and founder Terje "Valfar" Bakken>.
Originally composed of its founder only, the group expands and gives concerts between 2001 and 2004. Using unusual instruments in the metal (like the accordion) and an old Norwegian dialect, Windir is defined by its leader as "sogna-metal", in reference to the native village of the latter.
The group was formed in Sogndal in 1994 by Terje "Valfar" Bakken; the name Windir means "warrior" in an old Nordic language>. For six years, Valfar remains, by choice, the only member of the group. He recorded two demos in 1995 and 1996, as well as a first album, Sóknardalr , which was produced in 1997 at the Norwegian label Head Not Found / Voices of Wonder; for recording this record, he is accompanied by Steingrim on drums >>>.
The second album of the group, Arntor , is produced by the same label in 1998 and published in 1999. In addition to the drummer Steingrim, Valfar does this time call to Steinarson for clear vocals while himself records the scratched vocals, the guitar, the bass guitar, the synthesizer and the accordion >>>. The group's third album, released in 2001, is titled 1184. The titles of this album are composed by both Valfar and Hvàll, from the band Ulcus >>>. This last group is, like Windir, born in Sogndal. New musicians join the band, allowing the band to perform live for the first time on November 2, 2001 in Sogndal >>>.
