ZEROMANCER

In the early 2000s, the Norwegian Industrial Rock band Zeromancer became a defining part of a scene that was growing fast and filling clubs across Europe. More than twenty years later, that connection is still there. With Orchestra of Knives in 2021, the band returned with a strong record — but the timing couldn’t have been more difficult. The pandemic brought live activity to a halt, and personal challenges followed, leaving the album without the stage life it deserved. Now, with a return to the stage finally happening, Britta Pirkko spoke to frontman Alex Møklebust and guitarist Per-Olav Wiik about looking back, the years in between, and what comes next.

When Zeromancer emerged in the early 2000s, the alternative electronic scene was going through a very intense and fast-moving phase — clubs were thriving, labels were active, and audiences were discovering this sound in real time. Looking back from today’s perspective, what feels most different now: the scene itself, the music industry around it, or your own relationship with Zeromancer as a band?

Alex: A lot have changed since the early 2000. Back then we played shows every day of the week, with exception of maybe Mondays. Now bands only do shows mostly in the weekend. Physical albums sales are down to nothing, with exception of vinyl. Record labels don’t earn enough strictly on physical sales anymore. The entire industry has changed a lot. That said, it’s only been for the better for us in many ways. Having total artistic control has been a blessing. No pressure, no deadlines, just enjoying every single moment we have together as a band.

There was a long period of relative quiet before Orchestra of Knives appeared in 2021. What brought the band back into a creative space at that point in time, and how did the process of making that album feel compared to earlier Zeromancer records?

Alex: Back in 2015 Seigmen decided to release the first studio album in 17 years and that got us occupied for a very long time. Seigmen is a big machinery and takes up a lot of time rehearsing, recording and touring. That made the schedule for making Orchestra of Knives difficult. Instead we focused to do live shows when Per Olav joined the band. Let him see and feel what Zeromancer is about. His first show was M’era Luna with no soundcheck. A kick start I would say :) He adapted so quickly and is by far the best and nicest person in the music industry. Love that guy. When we finally stated recording Orchestra of Knives, Covid happened. But made it possible to just focus on finishing the album.

Per-Olav: When I joined the band in 2018, the focus was getting me into the live act. Orchestra was still mostly rough sketches and demos, except for «Damned le Monde» I think. But that song got re-recorded for the album. My role in the creative process was mostly trying to blend in as well as I could. They have their preferred way of working, and I was keen to adapt and see how that was like. I mean, this band has made some great albums, and suddenly I´m a part of it! That felt amazing, and hopefully my enthusiasm made a positive contribution to the creative process. There is a lot of work behind the album, that's for sure.

Not long after the album’s release, live plans disappeared due to COVID, and the following years brought very real personal challenges. How did that period shape the way you look at Orchestra of Knives today — and your career in general?

Alex: Orchestra of Knives was recorded and written over a very long period, cause of various reasons. When the shutdown (Covid) happened, working on a record was actually a relief. We had something to do when the rest of the world could’t do anything. Working every day and keeping myself busy. No pressure and no rush to get it done. It was kind of a good timing cause my health issues got worse and I couldn’t do live shows anyway. Went through a lot of surgeries and rehabilitation for a long period. But having my band and my best friends around me, made it easy. It was all good until end of October 2021. All hell broke loose. That changed how I look at my life. In a good way I think. Now I don’t take anything for granted and I try to enjoy every single day. I was lucky, but then all hell broke loose for Per Olav. That’s when we decided to book the show in Oslo. No time to waste. Five best friends sharing the same stage and enjoying every single minute of it.

Per-Olav: The making of Orchestra made the dull Covid period far more meaningful and brighter, and something I am very proud and grateful for being a part of. Of course I would have loved to take the album on the road, and give it the proper presentation I think it deserved, but nothing to do about that now. So we set our minds for the future We all go through tough times now and then, you just need to deal with it as best as you can. For us I think we only come out stronger, more grateful and more passionate at what we do. I’m extremely grateful and feel privileged for having the opportunity to play in this band, and feel the love and support from the fans.

You’re now preparing to return to the stage in Oslo. Does this show feel like a moment where Orchestra of Knives can finally get the live celebration it never really had?

Alex: It’s already been 5 years since the release of Orchestra of Knives and 7 years since the last time we played live. We never had the chance to promote that album, but it’s been good to re-visit the songs at the rehearsals. The show in Oslo will not be focusing on Orchestra of Knives, but celebrating every album we’ve released. It will be a memorable evening.

Per-Olav: We will include songs from Orchestra of course, but given how long since its release, and it's our first show in forever, we want to give the audience songs from the entire catalogue. That feels the most right for this specific gig.

Returning to the stage after a long break is not only emotional but also very practical. How do you approach rehearsals today, and how do you build a setlist that reflects both the early years and the most recent chapter of the band?

Alex: It will be extremely emotional to do shows again for all of us. Playing live is what we love the most. Oslo will be something special. We will focus on playing songs from our whole career. A set list that shows every side of the band. Songs we haven’t played for over 20 years will be played in Oslo. Got a good feeling about the setlist.

Per-Olav: Rehearsals are great as always, no new approach needed. And we are so ready. Since Seigmen is firing on all cylinders these days as well, the boys are already steaming, so me and Lorry just need to jump on board:-) we’re just happy to be back on track and ready to rock. We’re doing what we are supposed to do, finally!! The songs for this setlist is in my opinion a good mixture of all the albums. It´s also about giving the audience what they want, and there are ways to find that out..;-)

With the upcoming Unity Festival dates — September 18–19 in Oberhausen (Turbinenhalle) and October 2–3 in Berlin (Columbiahalle) — what can fans expect from those shows, and what comes next after that?

Alex: I’m really looking forward to the Unity shows. 4 shows with an amazing lineup. Sharing the stage with awesome artists is an honor. We’ll do our absolute best to make it a memorable night for everyone. The first night in both cities we’ll play all the songs from our first album, Clone Your Lover. The second night we’ll do a best of set list. Might be some surprises as well. That’s all I can say regarding our future plans for now.

Per-Olav: The first night will be a special one, where we will do the debut album “Clone Your Lover”. This was planned for the 20th anniversary, but got cancelled. The second night will be from the entire catalogue. So there will be two different sets for these two shows, a real treat if you plan on going both nights

During the quieter Zeromancer years, you remained creatively active in other musical projects. How do those projects connect back to Zeromancer today, and what is currently happening in those worlds?

Alex: Seigmen released two albums since 2024 and are currently working on the 3rd. That includes touring summer and winter. Ljungblut has also been active with a couple of releases. We are keeping ourselves busy. The absence of Zeromancer has just elevated the need to get together again. Zeromancer is such a big part of my life and now it’s time to embrace that. First stop, Oslo.

Per-Olav: My other band Untime, which by the way is the same line up since primary school, released the Ep “Fall” in 2024, and we're currently in the studio making the follow up EP which will be called “Rise”. Its heavy and no real connection to Zmr, but keeps me busy creatively in between. We need to keep busy playing, I mean what else is there to do? ;-)

Before we wrap up, we’ll leave the last word to you. Is there anything we didn’t ask that you feel deserves to be said right now?

Alex: Just want to say how thankful I am to all our fans, friends and family. Everyone who has supported us over the years. The patience, love and support has been unbelievable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Britta Pirkko
14/04/2026