Vibeke Stene joined the gothic metal band Tristania in 1996, eventually appearing on five albums before departing the group in 2007. A native of Sokndal, Norway, she balanced professional vocal performance with formal operatic training, eventually transitioning into roles as a vocal coach, theater performer, and founder of the doom metal project Veil of Secrets.
Early Development and Vocal Training
Born in 1978 to Steinar and Sissel Bø Stene in Sokndal Municipality, Stene grew up with two sisters, Ingvild and Maiken. Her public performance history began at age three, and she started formal singing lessons at 13. While she initially engaged with jazz, folk, and classical genres, her focus shifted toward heavy metal at 17 after attending a performance by Theatre of Tragedy in Stavanger. She pursued vocal instruction until age 23, maintaining her studies well into her professional career to develop her pedagogical skills for teaching others.
Years with Tristania
Stene became involved with Tristania after meeting the band members through mutual acquaintances and a music competition. Although she joined to assist with a demo recording, she remained as an official member, contributing to five studio albums. Her tenure ended in February 2007, motivated by a desire to complete a university degree and dissatisfaction with the band's musical direction. Following her departure, she faced public rumors suggesting she would replace Tarja Turunen in the band Nightwish, reports she publicly denied.
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Following her exit from Tristania, Stene entered a period of retirement to raise two children and work as a vocal coach. Although an electronic track featuring her vocals, 'Queen of Broken Hearts' by the band Plutho, saw release in 2011, the material originated in 1999. She returned to active music production in 2013, beginning with guest contributions for the extreme metal project God of Atheists. In 2015, she performed on the Viper Solfa album 'Carving an Icon'.
Theater and Veil of Secrets
Stene expanded her repertoire in October 2015 with her theatrical debut in the play 'Skammens Gissel' (Hostage of Shame), portraying the character Silja. In July 2020, she collaborated with Asgeir Mickelson to form the doom metal band Veil of Secrets. This project resulted in the November 2020 release of their debut album, 'Dead Poetry'. Stene attributed the creation of this work to an internal need to resume musical production and composition.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Sokndal, Norway
- Primary Occupations: Opera singer, opera vocal coach
- Band Membership: Tristania (1996–2007), Veil of Secrets
- Theatrical Debut: October 2015, Skammens Gissel
- First Veil of Secrets Album: Dead Poetry (2020)
- Languages: Norwegian
Questions readers ask
Did Vibeke Stene replace Tarja Turunen in Nightwish?
No, this was a rumor that emerged in 2007, which Stene explicitly denied.
What is the focus of her theatrical work?
She played the role of Silja in the play Skammens Gissel (Hostage of Shame), which premiered in 2015.
When did she leave Tristania?
She left the band in February 2007.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: gothic metal
