Kjetil "Frost" Haraldstad is a well known drummer among fans of black metal. He plays drums in Satyricon, but also hits the skins for Zyklon-B and 1349. Frost is a former member of Ancient (where he was replaced by Diego Meraviglia, better known as Grom), Furze, Alvheim, Gehenna and Gorgoroth.



Frost was born as Kjetil-Vidar Haraldstad on June 28, 1973 in Øyer, Oppland, Norway. He is currently an endorsee of Mapex drums, and Zildjian cymbals. His drum-style is varied throughout different bands; as in 1349 he uses excessive blast beats, however his Satyricon work is more simplistic and mid-tempo.



Early 2004 it was announced that Haraldstad would rejoin the latter band, replacing Kvitrafn (who's last name is Hangatyr). However, in May an official statement from Khaoz Productionz reads that the collaboration has been called off:

"The main reason is the planned Europe tour in October with Gorgoroth and 1349, which is a strong wish from both bands that will happen. Frost's present dedication and full-time work with his main bands 1349 and Satyricon makes it difficult to focus 100% on Gorgoroth due to more assignments the rest of the year."

Frost also plays drums in Keep of Kalessin since 2000.



Frost started playing drums at age fifteen. Asked about his musical inspiration, the drummer says:

"I have a huge admiration for Fenriz’(Darkthrone) drumming on albums like “A Blaze in the Northern Sky” and “Under a Funeral Moon” – soulful, powerful drumming - but it’s difficult to say to what an extent it has been inspiring me. Hellhammer's drumming on Mayhem’s “De Mysteriis Dom. Sathanas” was outstanding for it’s time (it still makes an impact) and absolutely an inspirational and motivative factor back in the days."

Speaking about his latest release, Frost says "Diabolical" might be rather straight, simple and minimalistic drummingwise, but it was still demanding to record. Reflecting on last year, Frost states:

"I have been forced to learn a thing or two about physical limits, and that you do occasionally need to go a few steps backwards in order to get on a better path where you can carry on forwards."

Satyricon fills Frost's entire scope of the future in 2006. Occasional events with 1349 might happen, though.