Photos: Borealis Festival [Bergen, Norway; 02/26-03/01/08]

Photos by Eirik Lande; Above: Boris

Eclectic was the word as the Borealis festival lit up Bergen, Norway from February 26 to March 1, bringing with it a sumptuous platter of acts for every fringe taste.

The headbangers had Boris, itching to unveil their new Smile, and joined by frequent collaborator Michio Kurihara, as well as Metal Music Machine, comprised of Norway's Jazkamer with sexagenarian noise-maker Hiroshi Hasegawa (formerly of Japan's C.C.C.C., recently the subject of a No Fun retrospective). Hasegawa also performed at the festival under his Astro guise.

The ambient heads, meanwhile, were treated to sets from Norway's own Svarte Greiner, Anders Hana (of Rune Grammofon act MoHa!), and Jean-Philippe Gross, who delivered their evocative soundscapes in a city library. Elsewhere, the itchy-footed found a welcome remedy courtesy of DJs Skatebård and Balthazar, plus an appearance by the elusive Black Devil Disco Club.

And for those who sought to mash it all together: the Fall's Mark E. Smith and Mouse on Mars joined forces for a rare performance as Von Südenfed, while Mike Patton teamed with Stian Carstensen (of Farmers Market, signed to Patton's Ipecac label) for a 90-minute set that ran the genre gamut.

The visual feast continues below.

BORIS