Hard Rock from the Norwegian Woods
Rooted deep in Norway’s rich rock tradition, KAASIN delivers powerful, melodic hard rock with a timeless edge.
Formed in 2020 by guitarist Jo Henning Kaasin, formerly of Come Taste the Band and known for his work with rock legends Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), KAASIN brings together a lineup of seasoned musicians who share a passion for classic rock.
Bassist Ståle Kaasin (Spider, Humbucker, 2020Vision) co-founded the band, laying down the thunderous rhythm alongside powerhouse drummer Per-Morten Bergseth (Jorn, Holter, Course of Fate, Wig Wam), who joined in 2021.
Fronting the band is renowned vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad, known internationally for his work with Saint Deamon and TNT, bringing soaring vocals and commanding presence.
Keyboardist Erling Henanger (Magic Pie, Holter) added his atmospheric and dynamic style to the band in 2022, completing the KAASIN sound.
KAASIN burst onto the scene with their debut single and video “Runaway Train”, released August 14, 2020, on Stream Peak Music/GerMusica. The track became an international success, topping Vinylestimes in France (#1), Metal Express Radio (#1), ARfm in the UK (#4), and DistFM in Sweden (#7).
Their debut album “Fired Up” followed, on November 19, 2021, earning over 1.3 million Spotify streams and widespread acclaim. The album was named “Album of the Year 2021” by readers of Rockman.no, Norway’s largest online music magazine.
In November 2024, KAASIN released the single “Dead Man’s Hand”, which was crowned “Song of the Week” on the Dutch radio station, Hoex Radio, and received extensive airplay across Europe.
Now KAASIN is back in the studio working on the highly anticipated follow-up to Fired Up, slated for release in early 2026, to be followed by a European tour.
Jo Henning Kaasin – Guitar
Jo Henning Kaasin is the founder, guitarist, and one of two principal songwriters of KAASIN.
With a career spanning over two decades, he was a key member of the Norwegian rock band Come Taste the Band (CTTB), collaborating with rock legends such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), and Doogie White (Rainbow/Michael Schenker). CTTB’s 2019 album Reignition featured both Turner and White on vocals. After CTTB was put on hiatus in 2020, Kaasin formed KAASIN, channeling his passion for 70s and 80s hard rock into a fresh, contemporary sound.
Outside of performing, he organized Norway’s Kartfestivalen from 2005 to 2016, showcasing his dedication to the rock music scene.
Ståle Kaasin – Bass & Guitar
Ståle Kaasin co-founder, cousin of Jo Henning and also a principal songwriter in KAASIN, brings a rich musical background to KAASIN. He has played with bands like 2020Vision, Humbucker, and the cover band Spider.
In 2024, he launched his solo project, releasing the successful single “To The Top”
His versatile playing is integral to KAASIN’s dynamic sound.
Jan Thore Grefstad – Vocals
Jan Thore Grefstad is renowned for his powerful and versatile vocals. He gained prominence with bands like Highland Glory and Saint Deamon, the latter of which he co-founded in 2007.
Grefstad also served as a temporary lead singer for TNT during live performances. His appearances on Norwegian talent shows The Voice and Norske Talenter showcased his exceptional vocal range and stage presence. His voice is a defining element of KAASIN’s sound.
Per-Morten Bergseth – Drums
Per-Morten Bergseth is a seasoned drummer with a diverse portfolio. He has played with bands including, Course of Fate and Holter, and has served as a session drummer for Wig Wam.
Bergseth joined KAASIN in October 2021, bringing his dynamic drumming style to the band’s rhythm section.
Erling Henanger – Keyboards
Erling Henanger is a skilled keyboardist known for his work with the progressive rock band Magic Pie, contributing to albums, King For A Day and Maestro. He also played in Holter alongside Bergseth.
Henanger joined KAASIN in 2022, adding rich keyboard textures that enhance the band’s melodic depth.
