Steinar Sverd Johnsen (born 1972) is a Norwegian keyboardist and composer. Sverd plays keyboards and synthesizers in Arcturus and was also the main composer for the band. He formed the band with Marius Vold (Mortem, Stigma Diabolicum of Thorns, and Jan Axel Blomberg (also known as Hellhammer) of Mayhem in 1987, originally under the moniker Mortem (where he played guitar).[1] The band split up in April 2007, but reformed in 2011.

Steinar Sverd Johnsen
Sverd (left) with Arcturus guitarist Tore Moren in 2005
Sverd (left) with Arcturus guitarist Tore Moren in 2005
Background information
Born1972 (age 51–52)
OriginNorway
GenresHeavy metal
Black metal
Avant-garde metal
Industrial metal
Occupation(s)Musician, Songwriter
Instrument(s)Keyboards, Synthesizer, Piano, Guitar
Member ofArcturus

In 1998, Sverd was recruited by the band, The Kovenant, known at the time as Covenant, along with Hellhammer.[2] After the release of the album Nexus Polaris, Sverd and the band parted ways.

Sverd has also been a guest on a few releases by prominent Norwegian black metal bands, Ulver and Satyricon.

Discography

edit

With Mortem

edit
  • Slow Death (demo, 1989)
  • Slow Death (EP, 1990)
  • Ravnsvart (LP, 2019)
  • Slow Death (album + extra tracks, 2022)

With Arcturus

edit

With Covenant

edit

As a session musician

edit

As a guest musician

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Reesman, Bryan. "Biography: Arcturus". Allmusic. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
  2. ^ DaRonco, Mike. "Biography: Kovenant". Allmusic. Retrieved 14 March 2010.