Arabs in Aspic, at times also Arabs in Aspic II, is a progressive rock band formed in 1997. They are considered an institution of Norwegian retro-prog. History Formed in 1997 as a Black Sabbath cover band, Arabs in Aspic did not have a continuously cultivated name in their early days. Lead guitarist and vocalist Jostein Smeby played with Tommy Ingebrigtsen, who contributed as a rhythm guitarist and theremin player, in various cover bands with a focus on metal. To form the band, the duo enlisted Hammond organ player Magnar Krutvik and drummer Eskil Nyhus, as well as his brother, bassist Terje Nyhus. Due to the fact that Ingebrigtsen was popular as a world champion in ski jumping and the other founding members also practised the sport, the band was at times considered a ski jumping band; an attribution from which the band largely emancipated itself. In the beginning, the group acted with various names. It wasn't until one gig that the name Arabs in Aspic was established. Out of affection for the King Crimson album Larks' Tongues in Aspic, the members tried to "put something else in 'Aspic'." By chance, the band discovered a book about cricket called Arabs in Aspic on eBay. After the debut release, the group was joined by Stig Arve Jørgensen. He contributed background vocals and took over the Hammond organ after Krutvik switched to acoustic guitar and synthesiser. After the release of the album Far Out in Aradabia, the band's career ended for the time being. In 2006, Smeby, Eskil Nyhus and Jørgensen joined forces with new bassist Erik Paulsen to form Arabs in Aspic II. Several demos were recorded in the following years until the band recorded the album Strange Frame of Mind in the studio of TNT guitarist Ronni LeTekro in 2009. Mastered by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, the album received critical acclaim and before its release as an LP in 2012, the band decided to drop the II in the band's name and once again operate as Arabs in Aspic. As of 2019, long-time live and session percussionist Alessandro Elide became a permanent member of Arabs in Aspic. Style Smeby wrote most of the music from the beginning. In addition to Black Sabbath, he cited stoner rock and classical modernism as influences, while the other band members brought in influences from progressive rock, inspired by performers such as Genesis,