Archive for the ‘KARISMA RECORDS’ Category

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD REVEAL DETAILS AND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: September 1, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Having learned their craft at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD have completed work on their new album “Seasons”, and Karisma Records have today released the track “Lessons” from the album.

“Lessons” is a track that gives an insight into what we can expect from the debut album from this talented Norwegian quartet, consisting of Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.

The band’s Hallvard Gaardløs explains::

“Lessons” is somewhat the quintessential WIZRD song, at least for me. It is a good representation of what we intend to do on this album, mixing progressive and improvisational elements with rock & pop sensibilities. The lyrics are about the New Age movement, and the fact that I find it rather silly. I’m kind of just making fun of it all, comparing yoga to a sacrificing ritual for Satan. With that said, I practice yoga sometimes myself, so I guess that makes me a demon worshipper.. Oh well, why not! Hail Satan!

The single “Lessons” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/Wizrd_Lessons

“Seasons”  itself, is set for release on the 21st October, and showcases how WIZRD are more than happy to test their limits with a sound that encompasses  Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog, whilst breaking a few rules along the way. The end result is a masterclass on how to produce a catchy  album that is filled with beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.

Produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, “Seasons” was recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) and Horntveth, and mixed by Bergen based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED).

With artwork by Steph Hope,  tracklisting on “Seasons” is as follows:

1. Lessons
2. Free Will
3. Spitfire
4. All is as it should be
5. Show Me What You Got
6. Fire & Water
7. Divine
8. When You Call

“Seasons” will be available in CD, Digital and a Limited Edition LP in transparent magenta vinyl formats, and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar239-wizrd-seasons/
Bandcamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com

More information about WIZRD can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wizrdtheband/
BandCamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/
Band Contact:  hallvardgaardlos@hotmail.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

KARISMA RECORDS REVEALS SECOND SINGLE FROM PSYCHEDELIC PROG FOLK ROCKERS TUSMØRKE’S UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: August 25, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With the release of TUSMØRKE’S latest album “Intetnett”  scheduled for the 7th October, Karisma Records have today revealed a second single what will be the third album from the anarchic band that is aimed primarily at children. 

Taking as its theme story of  two evil scientists who plant a self-teaching system called Intetnett onto the computers of an unsuspecting school, and which then proceeds to take control of an ant colony living in the school kitchen by using electronic impulses.   The system soon jumps from the ants, to human hosts, taking over the minds of both pupils and teachers.  Except of course, the minds of those who do not quite “fit in”, namely one of the teachers who is a technophobe, and a substitute teacher who does not yet have the necessary login info to access the computers, along with a small group of pupils.

The track chosen for the new single is a piece with an almost disco-beat  titled “Maurenes Jenka”  in which the band invite you to:

Lose yourself in the crowd and forget yourself to the enticing rhythms of the jenka dance! The ants invite you to a wonderful party game where everyone jumps in time. Get in line, this dance is easy enough for even father to join in.

You can download or stream “Maurenes Jenka”  from a number of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Tusmorke_Maurenes-Jenka

The thing about  TUSMØRKE is that while they may aim some of their albums at children, and entertaining though those albums may be, the band also has a serious message to impart to its adult listeners. And, by introducing a fascinating mix of subjects ranging from  artificial intelligence, to advancements in technology, to the Singularity, and  Mesopotamian gods,  TUSMØRKE reminds us all of our old, long-forgotten histories.

In fact, “Intetnett” serves as a warning about the direction mankind is taking with technology, where our world is becoming a totalitarian nightmare where no one thinks for themselves, no one dreams anymore, and human culture itself is in peril. But all in not lost, because, long-ignored by humans, and consequently fading away, the old Mesopotamian Gods want to help humankind regain its freedom, and the only way to do so is by using Magic – better known as the old technology from a bygone era.  

Enter our misfit heroes – the Norwegian teacher, the substitute and the children, who are given instructions on how to summon a Golem, a creature of legend that will be able to confront, and hopefully defeat,  Intetnett, thereby  pulling the plug on the dangerous computers.

Written for, and first performed at, the Aktivitetsskolen Nordstrand,  “Intetnett” is actually comprised of  two original musicals – “Intetnett” and “Når Enden er Golem” and will quite possible be the band’s final children’s release. It was recorded  at Det Ytre Rommet, Holy Space! and the Nordstrand Skole by a lineup that includes Benediktator (bass, vocals, guitars, synths, percussion, whistling), Krizla (flute, vocals, piano, synths, percussion) and HlewagastiR (drums).

With artwork by the legendary Norwegian artist Thore Hansen, “Intetnett” features a  whopping total of 21 tracks and  will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition White Vinyl formats, the latter of which will come with a 12-page lyric booklet. 

Tracklisting as follows:

  1. Satt i system                                      12. Den nye tida
  2. Det beste for budsjettet                    13. Synth etisk
  3. Han er litterær                                  14. Kunstig uintelligens
  4. Varslerduett                                      15. Gudenes krig
  5. Vikaren                                              16. Verdensarvingen
  6. Jakelstigen                                         17. Enki Dumuzi Absu (CD only)
  7. Vi drikker ikke melk                       18. Før flommen
  8. Vi er elever                                        19. Enkis sang
  9. Maurenes Jenka                              20. Golem
  10. Undringstimen (CD only)              21. Kontakten brytes
  11. Kunstig Intelligens

“Intetnett” is now available to pre-order from:    

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar224-tusmorke-intetnett/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/intetnett

More information about TUSMØRKE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com 
Band contact: tusmorke.booking@gmail.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

AIRBAG  CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS CHANNELS PINK FLOYD FOR UPCOMING MINI ALBUM

Posted: August 5, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Round about the time that Karisma Records were preparing to release “Everything to Everyone”,  the fourth solo album from AIRBAG co-founder BJØRN RIIS, the much respected guitarist posited the idea that perhaps the label would be interested in a new mini album, one in which the inspiration he derived from PINK FLOYD could be given free rein.

Of course, Karisma Records were not about to pass up on such an intriguing proposition, and thus work commenced on “A Fleeting Glimpse”, a four-track mini album, which will be released on the 30th September of this year.

Bjørn has always had a huge admiration for PINK FLOYD in general, and guitarist DAVE GILMOUR in particular, and he has long wanted to try and write new material, that, as he says “really tries to get as close to the PINK FLOYD sound, without actually copying or simply  doing covers”.   And with “A Fleeting Glimpse”, he has more than fulfilled that ambition.

So, for aficionados of both Bjørn and PINK FLOYD, Karisma Records are today releasing a single taken from the upcoming album, and not just any single, because “Dark Shadows (part 1)” features guest vocals by none other than DURGA McBROOM, one of PINK FLOYD’s backing singers during the ’80’s and ’90’s.

“Dark Shadows (part 1)” is available to stream or download from your preferred services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_Dark-Shadows-part-1

Accompanying the track is a video directed by Anne-Marie Forker which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/eaFW7z20wVQ

It is a track about which Bjørn has this to say:

Dark Shadows (part 1)  was originally written for “Everything to Everyone”. I always liked the mood of this song  so,  for this project, I did some changes to the arrangements and wrote the lyrics. I’m very pleased with how it turned out because it is a powerful blend of both me and my sound and some familiar Floydian moods.

About working with DURGA McBROOM he went on to say:

It was such a thrill for me to work with Durga McBroom and have her beautiful voice on one of my songs. I grew up with that voice! She delivered a truly stunning performance.

McBroom herself seems to have relished the opportunity to have taken part,  saying:

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. I think the song has a unique sound, and I’m honored to have been asked to sing on it.

“A Fleeting Glimpse”  was recorded at the Double Decker Studios, Oslo (Pymlico) and the Riis Studio, Oslo. It was mixed at Subsonic Studio by long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, and was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL).

Aside from Bjørn on vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards, and  guest vocals from Durga McBroom,  “A Fleeting Glimpse” also features appearances from Arild and Øyvind Brøter from PYMLICO, Per Øydir and Mimmi Tamba.

Coming in at just under 30 minutes, tracklisting for “A Fleeting Glimpse” is as follows:

1. Dark Shadows (part 1)
2. A Voyage to the Sun
3. Summer Meadows
4. Dark Shadows (part 2)

“A Fleeting Glimpse” will be available in Digisleeve CD, Digital and  Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl  LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar240-bjorn-riis-a-fleeting-glimpse/
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/a-fleeting-glimpse
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

Bjørn was still in his teens when   guitar-led bands were at the forefront of the rise of the Progressive Rock movement, and this, together with an interest in Electronica and Movie Scores, influenced the young guitarist and led to him developing a style that is filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.  

His undoubted skill stood him in good stead when he became one of the the founder members, lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter of one of Norway’s most successful  Prog bands AIRBAG, and today he is also a prolific solo artist.  Moreover, such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel has become an extremely successful  destination for guitar fans.  The channel can be seen  at https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage  and on his website at https://www.bjornriis.com/ 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact:  bjorn@airbag.no
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage
Website:  https://www.bjornriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjornriis/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

PSYCHEDELIC PROG FOLK ROCKERS TUSMØRKE REVEAL DETAILS AND NEW TRACK FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: August 4, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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“Irrepressible” is a word that springs to mind when describing Norway’s Psychedelic  Prog Folk Rockers TUSMØRKE, who will be back in October of this year with “Intetnett”, which will be their third, and quite possibly, final, album directed towards a younger audience.

But whether their albums are aimed at children or adults, TUSMØRKE are never content to just entertain, something they do consummately well, they also want to remind their audience of old, long-forgotten histories, and on “Intetnett” this is exactly what they do, with a fascinating mix of subjects ranging from  artificial intelligence, to advancements in technology, to the Singularity, and, of course,  ancient Mesopotamian gods

“Intetnett” tells the  story of  two evil scientists who plant a self-teaching system onto the computers of an unsuspecting school. The system is called Intetnett, and,  via  the use of electronic impulses, it takes  control of  an ant colony living in the school kitchen.  Needless to say, it also soon takes over the minds of pupils and teachers alike.  The minds of everyone, that is,  except for a technophobic Norwegian teacher, a substitute teacher without login info, and a small group of pupils.

With the world  slowly slipping into a totalitarian nightmare where no one thinks for themselves, no one dreams anymore, and human culture itself is in peril,  there is someone who is missing the humans! Down in the deepest depths, the old Mesopotamian gods are fading due to the lack of human attention,  and they want to help humankind to regain its freedom.

But the only thing that can stop Intetnett is technology from a bygone era – in other words,  Magic! Thus the Norwegian teacher, the substitute and the children are given instructions on how to summon a Golem, a creature of legend that will be able to confront, and hopefully defeat,  Intetnett, thereby  pulling the plug on the dangerous computers.

And, as an introduction to the album, Karisma Records have today released the track “Den nye tida”, which can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services via https://orcd.co/tusmorke_den-nye-tida

“Intetnett”, which Karisma Records will release on the 7th October, is actually comprised of  two original musicals “Intetnett” and “Når Enden er Golem”,  which were written for, and first performed at, the Aktivitetsskolen Nordstrand in 2017/2018.

With artwork by the legendary Norwegian artist Thore Hansen, “Intetnett” features a  whopping total of 21 tracks and  will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition White Vinyl formats, the latter of which will come with a 12-page lyric booklet. 

Tracklisting as follows:

  1. Satt i system                                      12. Den nye tida
  2. Det beste for budsjettet                     13. Synth etisk
  3. Han er litterær                                  14. Kunstig uintelligens
  4. Varslerduett                                      15. Gudenes krig
  5. Vikaren                                              16. Verdensarvingen
  6. Jakelstigen                                         17. Enki Dumuzi Absu (CD only)
  7. Vi drikker ikke melk                       18. Før flommen
  8. Vi er elever                                        19. Enkis sang
  9. Maurenes Jenka                              20. Golem
  10. Undringstimen (CD only)              21. Kontakten brytes
  11. Kunstig Intelligens

“Intetnett” is now available to pre-order from:    

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar224-tusmorke-intetnett/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/intetnett

TUSMØRKE’s lineup on “Intetnett”  includes Benediktator (bass, vocals, guitars, synths, percussion, whistling), Krizla (flute, vocals, piano, synths, percussion) and HlewagastiR (drums). It was recorded at Det Ytre Rommet, Holy Space! and the Nordstrand Skole.

More information about TUSMØRKE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com  
Band contact: tusmorke.booking@gmail.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

AIRBAG  CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS DEBUTS NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING SOLO ALBUM

Posted: March 4, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With its release date set for the 8th April on Karisma Records, BJØRN RIIS’s fourth full-length solo album “Everything to Everyone” deals with the toll that continuously having to meet the expectations of others takes on ones emotions, heightened by the fear of losing oneself in the effort to do so.

This is poignantly illustrated in the track “The Siren”, which Karisma Records have today released as a single. 

As Bjørn explains:

 Musically the song derives its inspiration from the more mellow side of Roger Waters, Richard Hawley and Tim Bowness,  and is told from the perspective of someone observing a dancer.  Lyrically it depicts how one can be easily misled by temptation and hurt by the need for approval.

“The Siren” itself dates back to the “A Day at the Beach” recording sessions with AIRBAG. It was one of many demos that I presented to the band but which didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the material. 

Whilst writing “Everything to Everyone”, I redid most of the arrangements and lyrics and “The Siren” ended up being one of my favourite tracks on the album, and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Simen Valldal Johannessen (OAK) for the beautiful piano, Henrik Fossum  (AIRBAG) for the delicate drumming,  and engineer Vegard Sleipnes for the mixing.

The single of “The Siren” can be streamed or downloaded from various services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_The-Siren

At the same time, Anne-Marie Forker has produced a soulful video for “The Siren” which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/2PqJXn0ozv0

For the album itself, which Bjørn admits was inspired by Dante’s Inferno, he has once again teamed up with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who, as well as co-producing the album with Bjørn, also handled the engineering and mixing. Mastering was carried out by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW and THE OPIUM CARTEL). 

In addition to Bjørn’s vocals and celebrated guitar playing, “Everything to Everyone” also features guest appearances from Henrik Bergan Fossum (AIRBAG), Kristian Hultgren (WOBBLER), Simen Valldal Johannessen (OAK) and Norwegian singer/songwriter MIMMI TAMBA. 

With cover photo by Anne-Marie Forker and design by Asle Tostrup, track listing on “Everything to Everyone” is as follows:

1. Run
2. Lay Me Down
3. The Siren
4. Every Second Every Hour
5. Descending
. Everything to Everyone
Digisleeve CD bonus tracks:
7. Everything to Everyone (Alternative version)
8. Desolate Place

“Everything to Everyone” will be available in four different versions. Aside from the normal LP version, the vinyl format will also be available as a Limited Edition White/Black Splatter LP, whilst the CD format will be available both as a standard CD as well as a Limited Edition Digi Sleeve version which will include two bonus tracks comprising an alternative version of the title track, and the 2020 stand-alone digital single “Desolate Place”.

It is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar199-bjorn-riis-everything-to-everyone/  
Band Camp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/everything-to-everyone
North American Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/bjorn-riis

Now a much-respected guitarist within the musical community, Bjørn ‘s  interest in music began whilst still a teenager, at a time when guitar-led bands were at their height and were spearheading the  rise of the Progressive Rock movement.   It was this movement, together with Electronica and Movie Scores, that influenced the young guitarist,  leading  him to develop a style filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.  

Such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel, has become an extremely successful  destination for guitar fans.  The channel can be seen  at  https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic  

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage  and on his website at https://www.Bjørnriis.com/ 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact:  Bjørn@airbag.no
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BjørnRiisArtistPage
Website:  https://www.Bjørnriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Bjørnriis/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic
Bandcamp: https://Bjørnriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD JOIN THE KARISMA RECORDS ROSTER

Posted: March 1, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS
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Rockers WIZRD, a band who happily dip their collective toes into all kinds of genres, from Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog, have joined the roster of Karisma Records, with the label planning to release the band’s debut album during the latter half of 2022. A collaboration about which WIZRD had this to say:

We are super stoked to be working with Karisma Records for our upcoming debut album! To be working alongside such a skilled group of people is both a great pleasure and an honour for us. Together, we will take this music to the stars… and beyond!

Formed at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD’s four-piece line-up of Hallvard Gaardløs  (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals, Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums, are all musicians who definitely know all the rules, but deliberately set out to break them.

Since 2020, WIZRD have been hard at work on their album which will be produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth. Recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) and Horntveth, the album was mixed by Bergen based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED). More information regarding the album will be released in due time.

More information about WIZRD can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND/
Band Contact:  hallvardgaardlos@hotmail.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

DARK ESSENCE AND KARISMA RECORDS ADD A THIRD STRING TO THEIR BOW WITH THE LAUNCH OF IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS

Posted: February 11, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Fans of both the more Extreme end of metal as well as fans of more Progressive genres are well versed in the eclectic output of Norwegian labels Dark Essence Records for the former, and Karisma Records for the latter – labels known not only for their rosters of iconic, long-established and world-renowned bands, as well some of the most interesting newcomers to emerge on their respective scenes.

It shouldn’t therefore come as too much of a surprise that the eclectic band of people who have created the two labels, some of whom are professional musicians and producers, and some of whom have been working in the industry for many years now, should decide to expand further into territory that fits in with their ethos, and their personal musical interests. As they explain:

All you need to do is look at our catalogue of releases from both labels, and it’s pretty evident that those of us behind Karisma and Dark Essence Records have always been interested in different musical styles and genres.

One of those interests, in which we do dabble extensively, is the more progressive and experimental kind of music, music that leads us naturally to enjoying a lot of Jazz as well.  And that’s why we are now launching a new sub-label simply called IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS.

We’re sure that some of you are asking why the name of the label is actually a question. Well, there is an awful lot of music around these days that is labelled Jazz, so much so, in fact, that even within the Jazz scene there are constant discussions on what is Jazz and what isn’t. So we thought that we would really like to release bands and artists that we feel represents Jazz to us, and this could encompass a whole lot of areas. It could be the exponents of classical jazz, or the really experimental artists, the soft singer/songwriters, or the hard rocking proggers.

There’s a whole lot of Jazz out there and we hope you will come along with us for the ride and enjoy our Jazz discoveries – and let’s see if you think it’s Jazz or not!

More information about Is it Jazz? Records can be found at the following:

Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

With every intention of hitting the ground running Is it Jazz? Records plan to release the debut albums from their two new signings around summer time.  First up will be an album from the quartet SOFT FFOG, whose experienced musicians are well known on the Norwegian Jazz scene, whilst the second album will be from DATADYR, a trio of musicians from Bergen, whose four years studying Jazz at the prestigious Grieg Academy, has given them a varied take on things.

More information about the upcoming releases will be available shortly, and in the meantime you can find out more about the bands at the following:

SOFT FFOG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Softffog
Booking: jazztom@hotmail.com

DATADYR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datadyrmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLXhM4Pd4bZxJ0UEkAzgpg
booking: datadyrepost@gmail.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

KARISMA RECORDS TO RELEASE LIMITED EDITION REPRESS OF SOLD-OUT  LP FROM ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER.  NEW VIDEO REVEALED

Posted: January 18, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Following on from the hugely successful release at the beginning of last year of “Playing House”,  the second full-length album from the Alternative Pop Orchestra MEER,  Karisma Records found themselves selling out of the vinyl version in record time. 

With fans still clamouring for an LP, the label has decided to release a new Limited Edition vinyl re-press of “Playing House”,  which has appeared in multiple “Best Of 2021” lists.   Strictly limited to 500 copies, the re-press of “Playing House” will be available as a Red Vinyl Double LP.

Set for release on the 25th March it is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
BandCamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/playing-house
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/ 

To celebrate the upcoming release, MEER have released a live video of the band performing the track “Beehive”, which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/TWPvmjQ2ouQ

It is a track about which the band had this to say:

Beehive has been a long-time favourite on our live sets, and we love how the album version turned out. It’s sensual, chaotic, powerful and definitely one of our most hard hitting songs. The cinematic strings, heavy guitars and arpeggiated synthesizers create a suggestive drive over which Johanne gets to belt her heart out. We often work together composing as a collective, and for “Beehive” drummer Mats came up with the opening piano riff and then the rest of the band  added new parts, hooks and lyrics to it on several jams and rehearsals. We are thrilled to finally share this powerhouse with you!

With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Skar, “Playing House”  was Recorded at Ocean Sound Recording and Tanken, with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid (EINAR STRAY ORCHESTRA) at the helm.   Tracklisting for “Playing House”, which is also available in CD and Digital formats, is as follows:

1. Picking Up the Pieces
2. Beehive
3. All at Sea
4. Songs of Us
5. Child
6. You were a Drum
7. Honey
8. Across the Ocean
9. She Goes
10. Where do We Go from Here?
11. Lay it Down
Vinyl only bonus track:
12. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake cover)

Formed back in 2008 MEER was, at that time,  simply a duo known as TED GLEN EXTENDED, but the band has now expanded its lineup to  become a veritable orchestra whose eight members include Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums.

With such a large lineup, it was inevitable that a variety of styles and influences would find their way into MEER’s material, creating a sound that is an eclectic mix of orchestral pop, classical music and progressive rock.   It is a massive sound comprised of  fantastic melodies and harmonies, not to mention quite a few surprises along the way.

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES DETAILS, VIDEO AND SINGLE FROM FOURTH FULL-LENGTH SOLO ALBUM FROM AIRBAG  CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS

Posted: January 14, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Aside from being one of the founder members, lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter of one of Norway’s most successful  Prog bands AIRBAG, BJORN RIIS is also becoming a prolific solo artist, with his fourth full-length album set for release on Karisma Records on the 8th April.

Titled “Everything to Everyone”, the album contains six epic new tracks that deal with human emotions and the fear of losing oneself in the constant effort to meet every, often perceived, expectation, as Bjørn explains:

I was inspired by Dante’s Inferno when I started to write. A bit pretentious perhaps, but I’ve always been fascinated by that very personal journey and the search for some kind of piece or redemption, while being both mentored and hurt along the way. Musically, I wanted to take the listener on that journey, experiencing both hope and anxiety.

As a taste of what fans can expect from “Everything to Everyone”, Karisma Records have today released a single and video of the title track, about which Bjørn has this to say:

“Everything to Everyone” goes way back. It’s one of those songs that never got finished but it’s always been in the back of my head. The lyrics are about losing yourself in the struggle to live up to expectations. Either one’s own or those of others. I think we all can relate to that in one way or the other.

I’m very happy with how it turned out! It’s a dramatic piece and I’ve tried to allow the music to have a story in itself. Added to which are Mimmi Tamba’s amazing vocals, Simen Valldal Johannessen’s beautiful piano and Henrik Bergan Fossum’s powerful drumming.

The single “Everything to Everyone” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_Everything-To-Everyone_Single

Whilst the video, by Anne-Marie Forker, can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/sYccgTvoR00

For “Everything to Everyone”, Bjørn has, once again, revisited his highly successful partnership with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who, as well as co-producing the album with Bjørn, also handled the engineering and mixing. Mastering was carried out by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW and THE OPIUM CARTEL). 

In addition to Bjørn’s vocals and celebrated guitar playing, “Everything to Everyone” also features guest appearances from Henrik Bergan Fossum (AIRBAG), Kristian Hultgren (WOBBLER), Simen Valldal Johannessen (OAK) and Norwegian singer/songwriter MIMMI TAMBA. 

Karisma Records plans to release “Everything to Everyone” in four different versions. Aside from the normal LP version, the vinyl format will also be available as a Limited Edition White/Black Splatter LP, whilst the CD format will be available both as a standard CD as well as a Limited Edition Digi Sleeve version which will include two bonus tracks comprising an alternative version of the title track, and the 2020 stand-alone digital single “Desolate Place”.

With cover photo by Anne-Marie Forker and design by Asle Tostrup, track listing on “Everything to Everyone” is as follows:

1. Run
2. Lay Me Down
3. The Siren
4. Every Second Every Hour
5. Descending
6. Everything to Everyone
Digisleeve CD bonus tracks:
7. Everything to Everyone (Alternative version)
8. Desolate Place

“Everything to Everyone” is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar199-bjorn-riis-everything-to-everyone/ 
Band Camp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/everything-to-everyone 
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/bjorn-riis 

Now a much-respected guitarist within the musical community, Bjørn ‘s  interest in music began whilst still a teenager, at a time when guitar-led bands were at their height and were spearheading the  rise of the Progressive Rock movement.   It was this movement, together with Electronica and Movie Scores, that influenced the young guitarist,  leading  him to develop a style filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.  

Such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel “gilmourish RIIS”, has become an extremely successful  destination guitar fans.  The channel can be seen  at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcIN_-togBBmlCYsuuy6Pg

More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the guitarist’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage  and on his website at https://www.bjornriis.com/ 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band contact:  bjorn@airbag.no
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BjornRiisArtistPage
Website:  https://www.bjornriis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjornriis/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcIN_-togBBmlCYsuuy6Pg
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

PROGRESSIVE POP/ROCKERS OAK RELEASE HAUNTING CHRISTMAS SINGLE

Posted: December 15, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Karisma Records have released a stunning new version of “Silent Night” by Oslo’s Progressive Pop/Rockers OAK.  The single presents an entirely new arrangement of the Christmas classic, with piano taking the lead in the delicate instrumentation, which, when paired with its haunting vocals, produces a completely original  version of the seasonal favourite.

Originally formed as a folk-rock duo, OAK’s lineup now features Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano, keys and lyrics, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on bass, acoustic / electric guitars, banjo, keys and programming, and Øystein Sootholtet on Drums, percussion, programming and keys.  They are joined on “Silent Night” by  Stephan Hvinden and Ole Michael Bjørndal on guitars.

“Silent Night” was recorded at the Ljugekroken Studio by Øystein and Sigbjørn, mixed by Sigbjørn, and mastered by Jacob Holm Lupo. 

With cover artwork by Deformat and photo by Anne Marie Forker “Silent Night”,  can  be streamed or downloaded  from various services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_SilentNight

OAK’s members all come from diverse musical backgrounds, giving the band the considerable advantage of being able to draw on skills that range from classical piano to electronica, prog and hard rock, smattered with references to the alternative scene as well as progressive rock.   The band’s meticulously crafted sound , with its  use of electronics and low bass frequencies, presents the listener with music  that is neither wholly progressive pop, nor progressive rock, but is, rather,  a happy amalgam of both.

More information about OAK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/

A video of OAK playing the title track from their 2018 album “False Memory Archive”  live at the Night of Prog Festival can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/F5_R6eV2jmA

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/
Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakinoslo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakInOslo
Band contact and Booking: contact@oakinoslo.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

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