Inferno Metal Festival co-founder Jan-Martin Jensen dies

The Norwegian metal community mourns the loss of Jan-Martin Jensen, co-founder of the Inferno Metal Festival, who has passed away after battling cancer. Jensen, a pivotal figure in Norway’s alternative and metal scene, left an indelible mark on the country’s musical landscape.

Born in Bodø in 1963, Jensen began his journey in music as a punk enthusiast, organizing concerts and managing the local scene. His early work included running a book café, managing bands, and contributing to the fanzine Gakk. Before relocating to Oslo, he served on the board of Bodø Rockeklubb.

In Oslo, Jensen’s influence grew through his work at the Blitz Youth House, where he handled concert promotion and sound engineering. The 1990s saw him co-establish Zone Productions, a company that became instrumental in Norway’s concert scene. His creation of the alternative club Mars provided a stage for legendary metal acts like Emperor, Mayhem, and Morbid Angel.

Following Mars’ closure in 1999, Jensen founded Radar Booking, which became crucial in bringing international metal acts to Norway. Through this venture, he organized shows for renowned bands such as Manowar, Cannibal Corpse, and Devin Townsend, helping establish Oslo as a significant hub for metal music.

His most enduring legacy began in 2000 with the creation of the Inferno Metal Festival, which has evolved into one of the world’s premier extreme metal events. Even during his illness, Jensen remained dedicated to his work, ensuring the festival’s continued success.

His colleagues at Inferno shared this touching tribute:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Inferno Metal Festival’s Jan-Martin Jensen after a hard-fought battle with cancer. This is a profoundly difficult day for all of us in the Inferno family.

Jan-Martin meant so much to so many, and to everyone who loved music in Norway. His memory will live on through the joy he brought to countless people by organizing thousands of concerts and the Inferno Metal Festival.

Jan-Martin Jensen will be deeply missed. His passing leaves an immense void. We will forever remember him for the incredible person he was and for everything he did for us.

Rest in peace, Jan-Martin.”