Bendik

Contrasts has been a powerful tool in Silje Halstensen artistry since she started Bendik in 2008. Sore but strong, ecstatic and traumatic, magnificent and fragile. Desperation and tranquility. Optimistic and contrite. Bendik is as brutal as life.

In 2011 she was a finalist in Urørt, and released the debut album 'Drømmen gjør meg ingenting' right after. All critics were impressed! From the begging Bendik's presence during concerts have been something quite unique, and they were nominated for the year's best live artist at P3 Gull 2012. With the second album 'No går det over', Silje and the band (Simon Dolmen Bergseth, Bendik Kjeldsberg, Jan K. Hovland) introduced a more electronic landscape. The sound was colder, lyrics more honest - the audience cried and the pressed applauded. The band took now a well deserved place in the Norwegian Hall of Fame.

The third album 'Fortid' was released in February 2016. It has, if possible, brought the music to an even more dire, but at the same time massiv, level. Maximalistic sound, with traumatic and heartfelt lyrics - one can hardly stand it. Bendik invites ut in from the first beat, and you just can't leave without beeing touched by the relentlessnes i both production and lyrics.