Metal In Mainstream
Can an extreme metal band really gain success by performing at Eurovision? What about at The Olympics? While these mainstream cultural events viewed by hundreds of millions of people definitely bring your music to new audiences in the short term, does it really last for the long term? Do your loyal fans stay with you or deem you a sellout? Are the new fans gained worth the risk? Is this a quick fix for success? Or simply another stepping stone in your career? What other ways are there to break into the more mainstream, while still staying true to yourself? Our panelists have first-hand experience with this.
Mod: Anders Odden // Cadaver (NO)
Anders Odden is an experienced musician, songwriter, and producer with over four decades in the international music industry. A founding member and collaborator of numerous influential metal and rock projects, including Cadaver, Magenta, DMTMC, Mistra and Order.
He is adept in composition, live performance, and music production, with a proven track record
of versatility and innovation in extreme metal, death metal, and black metal genres.
Lulu Davis // Bands Management / Raising Rockstars (GB)
Lulu Davis is an artist manager in the progressive metal realm, guiding the careers of genre-defining acts like Unprocessed, Caligula’s Horse, Eurovision finalists Voyager, and Earthside. With over a decade of experience, she has played a pivotal role in developing the modern progressive music landscape and opening. Beyond management, Lulu works as a music business consultant and is pioneering a new wave of educational tools and resources for developing artists and music industry professionals. Her new initiative Raising Rockstars seeks to carve out a unique space in the rock and metal education sector. Her work bridges the gap between artistry and business, empowering the next generation of musicians and industry leaders.
John Stenersen // Wardruna / Gåte (NO)
John Stenersen is a Norwegian folk musician playing moraharpa, nyckelharpa and hurdy-gurdy. He plays with Wardruna, Gåte, The Third Circle and Bergtatt and is always open for projects and collaborations. He has been playing with Wardruna since 2016 on big festivals and venues like Wacken, Summer Breeze, Hellfest, Red Rocks, Akropolis and Royal Albert Hall. He has played with Gåte since 2023, and in 2024 Gåte won the Norwegian Eurovision contest and represented Norway in Eurovision the same year.
Arnt “Obsidian” Gronbech // Keep of Kalessin (NO)
Arnt "Obsidian" Gronbech is a renowned musician, songwriter, and producer in extreme metal. As the founder, guitarist, and vocalist of Keep of Kalessin, he has been a driving force behind the band's epic and technically brilliant sound. The band has made its mark on the metal scene with groundbreaking releases that blend intensity, melody, and epic atmosphere.
He was also a live guitarist for Satyricon from 2002 to 2007, contributing to the band's powerful stage presence and international reach. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major figures in the genre and played a key role in shaping the evolution of Norwegian extreme metal.
In 2010, Keep of Kalessin made history by reaching the finals of Melodi Grand Prix with the song The Dragontower, proving that metal can captivate a broader audience without losing its raw power and energy. Grønbech continues to push the boundaries of the genre, both as a musician and producer.
