Norwegian hard rockers Draken released new full-length album »Here Be Draken«; out now through Dark Essence Records!
Oslo, Norway based hard rock trio Draken presents their third full-length album, »Here Be Draken«, which was just released on April 17th, 2026 through Dark Essence Records.
Listen to »It Serves You Right« on all major streaming platforms!
Tracklist:
01. The Great Deceiver
02. Jólablót
03. Saturday Night Head Removal Extravaganza
04. Here Be Dragons
05. Crimson Sun
06. It Serves You Right
07. Wrath
08. Shirts Of Black (F.O.A.D.)
09. Of Demise And Men
10. Endtyme
11. Shit Show
Courtesy of Dark Essence Records:
True Norwegian Hard Rock! Draken is a hard-hitting trio from Oslo, Norway. Musically, they are somewhere between heavy rock and metal. Formed in 2019 by Even Hermansen (guitar/vocals), Hallvard Gaardløs (bass/vocals) and André Drage (drums), the band delivers uncompromising rock rooted in the legacy of High On Fire, Motörhead and Entombed.
With down-tuned guitars, massive riffs, and a wall of sound, Draken aims to channel the raw and natural essence of rock music – through powerful songs, tight musicianship, and sheer sonic force. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2021, followed by the critically acclaimed »Book Of Black« (2023), both released on Swedish label Majestic Mountain Records. In 2026, the band will release their third album, »Here Be Draken«, on Bergen-based Dark Essence Records – recorded at Amper Tone and produced by the band together with engineer Kim Lillestøl. Cover artwork was done by Per Spjøtvold.
Photos by Mats O. Bristol
Draken has played numerous shows across Norway and Sweden and toured central Europe alongside rock outfit Spidergawd. With three albums under their belt and a growing fanbase, Draken is ready to take the next step – full throttle!
Hallvard Gaardløs has this to say about the new album:
“For a long time, the main theme of »Here Be Draken« alluded me. But the more I think about it, this album is about new beginnings in so many ways.
Sonically, it’s a new beginning. After two albums with Vegard Liverød (a true gentleman and legend!), the time was right for a change of scenery.
We went for Amper Tone, which, quite conveniently, is just a stones throw from where I live. I talked to Kim Lillestøl about engineering, we knew each other from music studies, and we all have heard great things about him the last couple of years. The result… well, hear for yourself!”
Released on Dark Essence Records on April the 17th, »Here Be Draken« is available on CD, limited edition cream white vinyl and digital formats, and can be ordered from:
EU Webshop | US webshop | Bandcamp
Draken is:
Even Hermansen – Guitars/Vocals
Hallvard Gaardløs – Bass/Vocals
André Drage – Drums
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well