WINDIR

frontman Valfar (a.k.a. Terje Bakken) was found dead on Saturday, January 17. He was 25 years old. Bakken's family are asking that speculation as to the nature of his death be withheld until the official report has been released.

Sogndal, Norway-based black metallers WINDIR had issued four albums, the last being “Likferd” through Head Not Found Records in July of 2003.

The band, who had inked a deal with Tabu Recordings early last month, were a highly acclaimed live act, having performed at such Norwegian festivals as the Inferno, Quart and Hole In The Sky.

In July of 2003, WINDIR played their first U.S. dates, which included an appearance at the Milwaukee Metal Fest, where they performed alongside such acts as ENSLAVED, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, M.O.D., NUCLEAR ASSAULT and BODY COUNT. These shows were followed by a very successful headlining Norwegian tour in the Autumn. The tour included headlining shows at both Mosh Fest and the 1001 Watt festival.

WINDIR's first album for Tabu Recordings was due to recorded at Sweden's Abyss Studio over a four-week period in May-July 2004. It is not presently clear if the rest of the band will carry on with a replacement frontman.

January 17. 2004