There are three bands named Friend 1. Band history The band Friend hails from the Soer-Troendelag region of Norway, and was formed around lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Tore André Helgemo, initially going by the name of Freeland. By January 2005, Freeland had evolved into Friend, drummer Per Ole Iversen and bassist Baard Dahle having joined along the way. With the arrival of lead guitarist William Ernstsen in March 2005, the present day line-up was complete.