Archive for the ‘OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES’ Category

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS SINGLE AND DETAILS OF DEBUT FULL-LENGTH  ALBUM FROM JAZZ ROCKERS THE VERGE

Posted: August 8, 2024 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Having started to play together when they met at the legendary Norwegian Jazz school NTNU, the members of Jazz Rock quartet THE VERGE have, since then, forged individual careers with a number of significant bands within not just the local, but also the European Jazz, Improv and Rock scenes. 

 But now, thanks to Is It Jazz? Records,  the time has come to bring to the light of day THE VERGE’s vibrant and original debut album, which the still up-and-coming musicians  recorded at the Duper Studio on 2021, alongside  the equally young and aspiring producer Vegard Lemme.

The self-titled album, set to hit the streets on the 4th October, consists of seven original tracks composed by the different members of the band.  Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in an album where the tracks differ greatly one from the other. Indeed, “The Verge” encompasses sonic soundscapes that range from fiery melodic jazz to prog rock, from atmospheric free-improvisation to heavy riffs.

And today Is It Jazz? Records is letting us hear for ourselves what “The Verge” holds in store for us with the release of the first single from the album.  The track, titled ” Nessesse” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/nessesse

And this is what THE VERGE’s Aksel Rønning has to say about it:

 For multiple reasons “Nessesse” consists of just one ostinato. One reason for this is to treat the meditational spirit of THE VERGE to a free space of improvisation. Another is to pay tribute to our inspirations from the free jazz of the sixties. “Nessesse” is a place where our creativity runs free to make the composition’s small framework into a full song, with lots of energy, chaos and order. 

THE VERGE’s lineup of  Emil Storløkken Åse (PHOENIX, EMIL STORLØKKEN ÅSE SOLO) on Guitars , Aksel Rønning (COSMIC SWING ORCHESTRA, AKSEL RØNNING TRIO) on Saxophone and Flute, Alf Høines (CARAMEL 11, LEON RØSTEN TRIO) on Electric Bass,  and Ingvald Vassbø (KANAAN, JUNO) on Drums, demonstrates an uncanny ability to weave together all the album’s different elements into a coherent whole.

Drawing their inspiration from extreme improvisational rock and dreamy noise/dronescapes, and with their musical skills and spontaneous interplay,  THE VERGE’s  members display a joyful attitude towards making music together, creating a debut album that is vibrant and multifaceted.

With cover art by Annika Linn Verdal Homme, track listing for “The Verge” is as follows:

1. Nessesse
2. Hyperreality
3. Snake
4. Gratitude
5. Emils Låt / Postludium
6. The Blast Supper
7. Patterns for Meditation

“The Verge” will be available in CD, LP and Digital formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge

More information about THE VERGE can be found on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524

Additional Information
The Verge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065744882524
Band Contact:  ingvaldvassboe@gmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
BandCamp: https://the–verge.bandcamp.com/album/the-verge
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

NORWEGIAN BLACK/DEATH METAL VETERANS CREST OF DARKNESS REVEAL DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 31, 2024 in CREST OF DARKNESS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With a career spanning 30 years, Norwegian Black/Death Metallers CREST OF DARKNESS are back with a vengeance, with their upcoming ninth full-length album. 

Titled “My Ghost”, and set for release on My Kingdom Music on the 18th October, the album promises to be the heaviest, darkest and most personal work ever to have been envisioned by the band’s founder Ingar Amlien. As he explains:

“Structured as a ritual, “My Ghost” is a concept album, which, from an artistic standpoint, is meant to be heard as a whole. From the album’s evocative opening, the ritual leads us to its climax, embodied by the final song “The Ultimate Truth”. This is the point at which the listener completes the initiation into the dark world of CREST OF DARKNESS, and is thus ready to enter the “Ninth Portal”. With its varied and uncompromising lyrics underpinning its message, “My Ghost” is essentially a long journey into the darkest recesses of the mind. A place where Nature’s darkest forces breathe energy and vitality into those who have the courage, and the strength, to become their own Gods”.

As regards the creative process that lies behind the album, Ingar continued:

“My Ghost” is the result of two years worth of blood and sweat, which began with me working alone to mould my very personal thought and beliefs into musical ideas. Then, together as a band, with myself on bass and vocals, Rebo Rebolee on guitars, and Bjørnar Jenssen on drums, we developed those ideas, each contributing our own ideas to the process.

The end result is an extremely personal journey that defines the very Essence of CREST OF DARKNESS.

With a special guest appearances by renowned Norwegian trumpet player Roy Nikolaisen, and long-term collaborator Kristian Wentzel on keyboards, “My Ghost” was recorded at the MLP Studios with Nils H. Maehlum at the helm and mastered by Giuseppe Nicolò (aka Buzz) at Lost Soul Studio.  

Cover art for “My Ghost” is by Roy Allan Larsen and tracklisting is as follows:

1. My Ghost
2. Infected
3. The Will Of God
4. Call Of The Moon
5. Satanic
6. Sacrificed To The Sun
7. The Awakening
8. Under My Spell
9. The Ultimate Truth

“My Ghost” is now available to pre-order in LP, digipak CD and digital formats, as wall as in  and in a special bundle edition limited to 50 copies from the following: 

https://shorturl.at/mqf9L

CREST OF DARKNESS will be celebrating the release of “My Ghost” at Friscena, in Govik, Norway, on the 19th October.

More information about CREST OF DARKNESS can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/crestofdarknessofficial and on the band’s website at http://www.crestofdarkness.com/

The single “Call of the Moon” from “My Ghost” was recently released in 7″ EP and Digital formats which are available from a number of services at https://album.link/COD_moo

The video for “Call of the Moon” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/n0_XISysdMo?si=WMMIMBA8Za8wkumd  

Additional Information
Website: http://www.crestofdarkness.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crestofdarknessofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CRESTOFDARKNESSOFFIC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestofdarkness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrestofDarkness
BandCamp: https://crestofdarkness.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67dTHBWfRi3CkmwdodcAxz
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/crest-of-darkness
My Kingdom Music: https://linktr.ee/mykingdommusic
Band Contact and Booking: contact@crestofdarkness.com
Management and Booking: patriciathomas@btinternet.com 

BLACK METAL VETERANS KOLDBRANN RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 31, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Fans of Norwegian Black Metal know that if you mention the name KOLDBRANN you are going to get a band that is respectful of its traditional True Norwegian Black Metal roots, but one that goes its own way, eschewing any trends, in order to deliver a fearsome sound that is raw and completely uncompromising.

Even the title of KOLDBRANN’s  upcoming fourth full-length album “Ingen Skånsel”, which translated means “No Mercy”,  draws a line in the sand, inviting those who like their Black Metal raw, aggressive, and defiant, to follow them into its fearsome depths.

With the album’s  release scheduled for the 23 August, Dark Essence  Records have today allowed us another glimpse into what to expect, with the release of the single  “Fortærer av Minne og Form”, which can be downloaded or streamed from a number of sources at:

https://orcd.co/koldbrann_famof

With its powerful and chaotic monotype cover art by Indonesian visual artist Bahrull Marta, here is what KOLDBRANN themselves had to say about it:

”Fortærer Av Minne Og Form’, translated to ‘Devourer Of Memory And Shape’, is a ravaging brute that will consume your soul and engulf your being – bones and all!

About his lyrics Kvass commented:  “The lyrics were pieced together back in 2018, with the aim of  conveying a feeling of paranoia and threat of annihilation. They are inspired by Roko’s Basilisk, the thought experiment about how a future all-powerful AI might seek to punish those who did not help it come into existence”.

Whilst songwriter Voidar gives us some insight into the music’s background: “The opening riff dates back to some odd hours scratch recording in 2019. You never know when inspiration strikes, so better utilize its immediacy to later let it fester for years on some cheaply acquired solid state silicon device. Perhaps to one day come back and seek its revenge – accidentally not unlike the lyrical theme. Come 2020 and we are putting an album together. At the time I had been listening to a lot of ELECTRIC WIZARD and HIGH ON FIRE while also sustaining several bartenders. Unclear of any inspiration or thereof I summoned this dredging riff for a middle section to remedy an otherwise invariant arrangement, topping it off with a somewhat inspired lead. Scriptum est”.

Produced by Mannevond, and mixed and engineered by Voidar at Voidsonic, ”Fortærer Av Minne Og Form” was mastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Kvalsonic Lab. The drums were recorded by Ruben Willem at Amper Tone, Oslo, in August 2021, and guitars, bass and vocals were recorded by Voidar and Mannevond at Voidsonic and Industrigata, Oslo, during 2021-2022.

“Ingen Skånsel” will be available in CD, Digital, Cassette and Smoke Marble Vinyl formats and can can be pre-ordered now at:

Smartlink: https://orcd.co/ingen-skaansel
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://koldbrann.bandcamp.com/album/ingen-sk-nsel

With layout  by Salowe Vision, track listing for “Ingen Skånsel” is as follows:

  1. Ingen Skånsel
  2. Et Uomtvistelig Falsum
  3. I Unaturens Vold
  4. Prosesjon Under Blyhimmel
  5. Det Kryper Kaldt
  6. Maskiner av Nihil
  7. Forstanden Seiler Sin Egen Sjø
  8. Fortærer av Minne og Form
  9. Rykk Skaperverket Opp med Roten
  10. Vorde Eders Farkost en Katafalk
  11. Serenade til Dødens Elende
  12. Elevert Hinsides Tilstand (CD only track)

KOLDBRANN’s live appearances have earned the band a well-deserved notoriety and 2024/2025 will see the lineup of Mannevond on Vocals, Kvass and Voidar on Guitars, Leonid Melnikov on Drums, and John Grave on live Bass appearing in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, UK, Austria and Switzerland, as well as first-time performances in Canada, Turkey and Romania, with more to come!

Dark Essence Records recently released the single ‘I Unaturens Vold’ from the album, along with s video by Necrolust Productions (WHOREDOM RIFE, 1349, FURZE etc.), which was filmed at this year’s Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, where KOLDBRANN played in front of a capacity crowd at the John Dee venue.  It can be seen below:

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KOLDBRANN
Koldbrann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koldbrannofficial
Koldbrann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koldbrann_offisiell
Koldbrann Webshop: https://koldbrann.bigcartel.com
Koldbrann Contact: kontakt@koldbrann.net
Koldbrann Booking: info@district-19.com
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
Dark Essence contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Dark Essence Records: www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkessencerecords
Dark Essence Records Bandcamp:  http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/
Dark Essence Records YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/DarkEssenceRecords
Dark Essence Records Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkessencerecords/
Dark Essence Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkEssenceRec
Dark Essence SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/dark-essence-records
Dark Essence Records Webshop: https://www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence Records North American Webshop:  https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 19, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When “Wheels Within Wheels”, the third full-length album from MEER hits the streets on the 23rd August, fans of the  band will be able to hear  a piece of work that represents a significant evolution for the Norwegian progressive pop outfit, with eleven tracks that reach soaring heights,  interspersed with moments of quiet reflection.

But, since its release is still over a month away, Karisma Records have released a second single from the album to assuage everyone’s curiosity.  The track chosen is “Chains of Changes”, a song filled with evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melodies that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience and offers  a poignant reflection on the transformative power of perception. 

With its hauntingly beautiful melodies, ethereal instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics, “Chains of Changes” urges listeners to embrace their vulnerability and confront the inevitability of change. Something that is sure to resonate with audiences seeking solace in the midst of uncertainty. 

Above all, “Chains of Changes” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic tapestry that MEER has meticulously crafted. It is a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly blend introspective lyricism with captivating musical arrangements, creating an immersive listening experience that  transcends genre boundaries. 

“Chains of Changes” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/chainsofchanges

Recorded at  Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023 “Wheels Within Wheels” saw MEER reunited with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid.  With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:

01. Chains of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me to the River
04. Come to Light
05. Golden Circle
06. Today Tonight Tomorrow
07. World of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something in the Water
11. This is the End

The album itself comes in at a running time of just over an hour, and is undoubtedly MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date. It will be released  in  CD, Digital, and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-within-wheels
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders

Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, including 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 drum.

With each  individual band member contributing their own musical styles and interests in such a way as to complement and influence each other,  MEER has succeeded in creating a sound that has become fascinatingly eclectic.  And it is for this reason that “Wheels Within Wheels”  promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.

MEER is scheduled to appear live at the following (more to follow):

21 July:  Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley Amphitheater, Bornich, Germany
https://www.facebook.com/events/6575309745921403
8 Sept:  Two Days Prog +1 Festival, Campo Sportivo, Novara, Italy
20-21 Sept: Pulterkammer Festival, Hamar Teater, Hamar, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265
27 Sept: Hunsfos Rock Festival, Hunsfos Bryggeri og Destilleri, Hunsfos, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/730511715879709

“Golden Circle”, the first single to be released from “Wheels Within Wheels” is available at  https://orcd.co/goldencircle  and is accompanied by a video by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, moodily lit  by Kåre Nordseth, which can be seen below:

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MEER
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
KARISMA RECORDS
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:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

SWEDISH PROG ROCKERS RITUAL DEBUT VIDEO TRAILER FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 16, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Much curiosity was aroused when Karisma Records recently announced the details of the upcoming album from Swedish Prog Rockers RITUAL.  Primarily because this was to be the band’s first release in 17 years, but also because the title “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, implied that therein there is a tale to be told!

And indeed there is, because, as fans of the band will know, RITUAL are quite adept at storytelling, as their previous five albums have shown, and this time they have chosen to tell the tale of Mr Bogd, an affluent,  well-established member of society who comes to the realisation that his life holds no satisfaction for him.  But what else can he do?  Well, he can leave his job and his comfortable urban life, and seek out an alternative. 

So, together with his coachman Parkhurst, and, riven with doubts, but convinced of the rightness of what he is doing, off he sets on a journey through an increasingly wild and dangerous environment.

And now, thanks to the vivid imagination of artist Javier “Canelito” Herbozo, we are being afforded not just a musical glimpse into “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, but also a visual one, in the form of a Video Trailer that can be seen below and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/cbTn7wNk7yM

At its heart, “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” is a story about maintaining ones innocence, and finding sanity and self- esteem, and deciding what we are prepared to give up in order to do so. It is a blissful blend of road movie, classic fairytale, buddy movie and adventure epic, set in an imaginary land in an era reminiscent of late 19th century Europe. And its musical soundtrack covers a large amount of stylistic ground. Ground that ranges from intense and powerful rock, to musically elaborate and intricate tracks, along with some odd and even quirky moments, and of course some acoustic, folky songs.

“The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Violet Vinyl LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders
Bandcamp: https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-mr-bogd-part-1

Tracklisting on “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, which features artwork by Javier “Canelita” Herbozo,  is as follows:

01. A Hasty Departure
02. The Inn of the Haunted Owl
03. Dreams in a Brougham
04. Chichikov Bogd
05. Mr. Tilly and his Gang
06. Through a Rural Landscape
07. The Feline Companion
08. Read all about it!
09. Forgotten Qualities
10. The Three Heads of the Well

When they formed in 1993, RITUAL immediately established a distinct progressive style that is very much their own.  Influenced by the progressive rock and hardrock of the ‘70s, as well as contemporary bands, RITUAL’s sound has always been song-based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation, and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band’s frequent use of acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and the Swedish nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle).

With a  lineup composed of Patrik Lundström on lead vocals and guitar, Fredrik Lindqvist on bass, mandola, dulcimer, recorder and vocals, Jon Gamble on keyboards and  vocals, and Johan Nordgren on drums, nyckelharpa and vocals, RITUAL have established themselves as a confident and powerful live band through numerous tours around Europe and appearances at international festivals such as Rites Of Spring Fest in the USA and Baja Prog in Mexico.

RITUAL’s next live appearance will be on the 20th July at the Night of the Prog Festival, at the Loreley Amphitheater, in Bornich, Germany.

RITUAL recently debuted the track “Chichikov Bogd” from the album “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, and it can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at https://orcd.co/chichikovbogd

More information about RITUAL can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se or on the band’s website at https://ritual.se   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RITUAL
Ritual on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se
Ritual Website:  https://ritual.se
Band Contact:  ritual.se@gmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
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: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES FIVE ALBUMS FROM BACK CATALOGUE OF SWEDISH PROG ROCKERS AGUSA

Posted: June 21, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Karisma Records have today released the first five studio albums from Swedish Prog Rockers AGUSA, a band that has been at the forefront of the Swedish Psychedelic Prog scene since its formation in 2013. 

Over the years, AGUSA’s lineup of Simon Ström on bass, Nicolas Difonis on drums, Mikael Ödesjö on guitar, Roman Andrén on keys, and Jenny Puertas on Flute, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to communicate with their listeners on both an emotional, as well as a visceral, level.

The five albums to be released are:

HÖGTID: first released in 2014


TVÅ: first released in 2015


AGUSA: first released in 2017


EN ANNAN VÄRLD: first released in 2021


PRIMA MATERIA: first released in 2023

All five of the albums have initially been re-released in digital formats, whilst the physical versions will be released in the near future, with details to be revealed.

 The digital formats are available to stream or download on all streaming platforms.

AGUSA is a band whose roots lie deep within the fertile ambients of space rock, kraut rock and jazz, and who draw their influences from Nordic and Latin American folk music.  When you listen to AGUSA’s music, you get a sense of being transported back to the 70s, but this time the decade has a whole new slant, because this is a group of musicians who interpret things in their own way, and have come together to forge a strong musical identity that is unmistakably AGUSA.

Blending tripped-out psychedelic and progressive rock structures aimed at instilling visions of nature and the cosmos, AGUSA’s sound ranges effortlessly from majestic beauty to violent outbursts. Dreamlike passages meander into realms that hint at a supernatural or parallel existence.

On stage too, AGUSA’s lineup is able to perform meditative soft parts, and seamlessly combine them with epic interludes and the occasional trip to a rock hard darkness, all of which provide audiences with an unforgettable live experience, and which fans will be able to witness for themselves on the following dates:

29 June:  Stationen Röstånga, Röstånga, Sweden
13 July:  Summer Fog Festival, Spodek, Katowice, Poland
08 August: Kuudes Linja, Helsinki, Finland
14 August: Malmöfestivalen, Malmö, Sweden
28 Sept: Progressive Circus, Babel,

More information about AGUSA can be found on the band’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/agusaband

A video of AGUSA performing live at the Festival Crescendo, France, in 2023 can be seen below

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AGUSA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/agusaband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agusa.band/
Bandcamp: https://agusaband.bandcamp.com/
Email: agusaband@gmail.comP
KARISMA RECORDS
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: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

BLACK METAL VETERANS KOLDBRANN RELEASE VIDEO AND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: June 20, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Norwegian Black Metal veterans KOLDBRANN ended 2023 very much on their own terms, releasing a stand-alone, limited edition, 7″ vinyl single that proved itself to be a swaggering, defiant harbinger for the band’s upcoming  fourth full-length album “Ingen Skånsel”,  which is set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 23rd August.

It is a release that has been much anticipated by Black Metal fans, who recognize in KOLDBRANN  a band that has always sought to create a sound that is uniquely their own – fresh, raw, and completely  indifferent to whatever trend happens to be prevalent in the genre at the time.

But, significantly, KOLDBRANN have remained deeply rooted in the traditions of True Norwegian Black Metal, and this respect for their roots can be clearly heard on the track ‘I Unaturens Vold’, which has been released as a single.  Even the cold and uninviting cover image, shot at Haukelifjell, Norway, by the talented photographer Vildensky, serves to set the foreboding tone and atmosphere for the song.

Short and concise, with a fierce thread running through it ‘I Unaturens Vold’ stands  out from many of today’s trends in Black Metal, and can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/i-unaturens-vold

The video for ‘I Unaturens Vold’ by Necrolust Productions (WHOREDOM RIFE, 1349, FURZE etc.), was filmed at this year’s Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, where KOLDBRANN played in front of a capacity crowd at the John Dee venue.  It can be seen below:

KOLDBRANN themselves had this to say about ‘I Unaturens Vold’:

After the punishing previous single, ‘Den 6. Massedød (Manna fra en annen himmel)’, with the primitive necro & roll B-side, ‘Inhumanitær Inngripen’, comes the energetic and melodic ‘I Unaturens Vold’ – the first single taken from our upcoming new album! Fierce and concise, with clear references to classic Norwegian Black Metal, the song has already become an established highlight of KOLDBRANN’s live set

‘I Unaturens Vold’ (translated to ‘In Unnature’s Grasp’) has clear references to classic Norwegian Black Metal, displaying melodious riffs and associations to nature. “Unnature” is used here as a contrast, to point the finger at the fakeness and insincerity in people. It is one of more new songs that deal with standing tall on the outside, turning one’s back on society and the world.

Replete with Mannevond’s trademark blacker than black raw vocals, and Kvass’ clever Norwegian lyrics, the album itself is confirmation that KOLDBRANN is back with a vengeance – as fearsome, as defiant and as uncompromising as ever. 

Even the title “Ingen Skånsel”, which means “No Mercy”, lets everyone know that they are in for 12 tracks of pure aggression from a band that has never shown any mercy or taken any prisoners.

With layout  by Salowe Vision, track listing for “Ingen Skånsel” is as follows:

  1. Ingen Skånsel
  2. Et Uomtvistelig Falsum
  3. I Unaturens Vold
  4. Prosesjon Under Blyhimmel
  5. Det Kryper Kaldt
  6. Maskiner av Nihil
  7. Forstanden Seiler Sin Egen Sjø
  8. Fortærer av Minne og Form
  9. Rykk Skaperverket Opp med Roten
  10. Vorde Eders Farkost en Katafalk
  11. Serenade til Dødens Elende
  12. Elevert Hinsides Tilstand (CD only track)

“Ingen Skånsel” will be available in CD, Digital, Cassette and Smoke Marble Vinyl formats and can to pre-ordered now at:

Smartlink: https://orcd.co/ingen-skaansel
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://koldbrann.bandcamp.com/album/ingen-sk-nsel

KOLDBRANN’s live appearances have earned the band a well-deserved notoriety and 2024/2025 will see the lineup of Mannevond on Vocals, Kvass and Voidar on Guitars, Leonid Melnikov on Drums, and John Grave on live Bass appearing in  the Czech Republic, Poland, UK, Austria and Switzerland, as well as first-time performances in Canada and Romania, with more to come!

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

A video of KOLDBRANN live at Wacken in 2023 can be seen below

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Koldbrann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koldbrannofficial
Koldbrann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koldbrann_offisiell
Koldbrann Webshop: https://koldbrann.bigcartel.com
Koldbrann Contact: kontakt@koldbrann.net
Koldbrann Booking: info@district-19.com
Dark Essence contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Dark Essence Records: www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkessencerecords
Dark Essence Records Bandcamp:  http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/
Dark Essence Records YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/DarkEssenceRecords
Dark Essence Records Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkessencerecords/
Dark Essence Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkEssenceRec
Dark Essence SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/dark-essence-records
Dark Essence Records Webshop: https://www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence Records North American Webshop:  https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

PSYCHEDELIC PROG FOLK ROCKERS TUSMØRKE RELEASE SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: June 14, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Having recently confirmed that “Dawn of Oberon” the upcoming album  from Prog Folk Rockers TUSMØRKE is set for release on the 30th August, Karisma Records have released a track from the album, which, as always with this group of musicians, features mystical beings who don’t quite fit the image  that we’ve come to know through countless fairy tales.

In this case that being is a “Dwarven Lord” as the title suggests, and as the band explains:

Oberon and Titania pop up in the pastures of the Norwegian cultural landscape! Though dwarven, it is not the size of the synth that matters as we enter the soundscape of certain natural Norwegian influences. This track pays homage to Tyrannosaurus Rex, Joe Meek, Shakespeare and Purcell. Talk about high culture for lowbrows!

“Dwarven Lord” can be downloaded or streamed on a number of services at

https://orcd.co/dwarvenlord

As to the album itself, “Dawn of Oberon” sweeps us off on a subterranean expedition to the Kingdom of the Fair Folk and is described by TUSMØRKE as a “manifestation of our Peter Pan syndrome, with our aesthetics and ideals having remained unchanged for the last 25 years”.

Once again the highly acclaimed Norwegian artist Sverre Malling has provided the artwork for the album, and tracklisting is as follows:

  1. Dawn of Oberon
  2. Born to be mild
  3. Dwarven Lord
  4. Midsommernattsdrøm
  5. People View
  6. Troll Male

“Dawn of Oberon” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Milky Clear Vinyl formats and can be pre-ordered now at:

Smartlink to various services:  https://orcd.co/oberon
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/dawn-of-oberon
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/tusmorke

Having released twelve albums in twelve years TUSMØRKE are not only prolific, they are also highly imaginative, with their work ranging from the creation of entire worlds, to concept-based trilogies aimed at younger music fans.  Their (occasionally risqué) creations, combined with the band’s musical prowess and their lyrical themes, beguile the listener, whilst inserting a cleverly disguised commentary about the times in which we live.

TUSMØRKE is band whose joie de vivre translates extremely well into live performances, and fans will be able to witness it for themselves when the current lineup of Herjekongen on Keyboards, Brennesle on Drums, Krizla on  Flute and vocals, and Benediktator on Bass and Vocals, hit the stage on the following dates (more to come).

15 June:  Kampen Bistro, Oslo
27 June:  Pomorfestivalen, Vardø (Bydyra)
31 August: Release gig (details to be announced)

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

Below you can see the official video by Aleksander U. Serigstad for the track “Tøyens Hemmelighet” from TUSMØRKE’s 2018 album “Fjernsyn i Farver”

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
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

ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER REVEALS DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM ALONG WITH A NEW VIDEO AND SINGLE

Posted: June 11, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With the release of the album “Wheels Within Wheels”  from Pop Proggers MEER on the horizon, Karisma Records have today released not only the details of the album, but also a single and video of the track “Golden Circle” which will give fans a taste of what to expect from the band’s much anticipated third full-length album. 

With its infectious hooks, “Golden Circle” showcases MEER’s unique blend of musical prowess and emotional depth, along their ability to captivate audiences. The combination of soft, serenade-like tones and an undeniable heaviness, and with quite possibly the band’s most catchy chorus to date, this  is a rock anthem in the making.

Exploring the depths of longing and desire, “Golden Circle’s”  lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with inner turmoil, seeking solace in fleeting moments of euphoria. and can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/goldencircle

Whilst the video, by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, with its moody lighting by Kåre Nordseth, can be seen below:

Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, each of whom has brought with them their own musical styles and interests, complementing and influencing each other so that the band’s music has become fascinatingly eclectic.

So, with 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, “Wheels Within Wheels”  promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.

It is also clear that “Wheels Within Wheels”, whose title symbolises the hidden complexities beneath the surface,  represents a significant evolution for MEER, featuring, as it does, tracks that reach soaring heights interspersed with moments of intimate reflection.

Reuniting with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid, MEER recorded “Wheels Within Wheels” at Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023.   With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:

01. Chains of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me to the River
04. Come to Light
05. Golden Circle
06. Today Tonight Tomorrow
07. World of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something in the Water
11. This is the End

With a running time of just over an hour, MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date will be released on the 23 August 2024 in CD, Digital and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-within-wheels
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders

 MEER is scheduled to appear live at the following (more to follow):

07 July:  Havlystparken, Hvitsten, Norway
21 July:  Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley Amphitheater, Bornich, Germany
https://www.facebook.com/events/6575309745921403
8 Sept:  Two Days Prog +1 Festival, Campo Sportivo, Novara, Italy
20-21 Sept: Pulterkammer Festival, Hamar Teater, Hamar, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265
27 Sept: Hunsfos Rock Festival, Hunsfos Bryggeri og Destilleri, Hunsfos, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/730511715879709

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 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:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

SWEDISH PROG ROCKERS RITUAL ANNOUNCE DETAILS AND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: June 6, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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It’s been 17 long years since RITUAL released their last album, but finally  there’s a new one on the way.  It will be here on the 16 August 2024 to be precise, which is when Karisma Records will release “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, the long-awaited sixth full-length album from the legendary Swedish Prog Rockers.  

And fans need wait no longer to find out what the album has in store for them because Karisma Records have released  the track “Chichikov Bogd”.

Here is what the band had to say about it:

What is Chichikov Bogd? Well, that’s the name of the protagonist in Ritual’s upcoming musical epic “The Story of Mr. Bogd, part 1”. It is also the name of one of the songs on the album, and tells a bit about the main character’s background. The song was previously released on the 2020 EP “Glimpses”  but here it comes in a thunderous, remixed and remastered single version. Mr. Bogd has arrived!

” Chichikov Bogd” can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at

https://orcd.co/chichikovbogd

With  “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” RITUAL has created a blissful blend of road movie, classic fairytale, buddy movie and adventure epic, set in an imaginary land and era reminiscent of late 19th century Europe. All delivered with music that covers a large amount of stylistic ground, ranging from intense and powerful rock, to musically elaborate and intricate tracks, along with some odd and even quirky moments, and of course some acoustic, folky songs.

Tracklisting on “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, which features artwork by Javier “Canelita” Herbozo,  is as follows:

01. A Hasty Departure
02. The Inn of the Haunted Owl
03. Dreams in a Brougham
04. Chichikov Bogd
05. Mr. Tilly and his Gang
06. Through a Rural Landscape
07. The Feline Companion
08. Read all about it!
09. Forgotten Qualities
10. The Three Heads of the Well

No strangers to the art of the “concept” album, indeed they have often been inspired by Tove Jansson’s novels about the Moomins,  RITUAL’s new album forms the first part of the story of Mr Bogd, the oddly named protagonist who, as an established member of society and an affluent individual, realises that the life he is living is deeply unsatisfactory.   The result of this revelation is that our Mr. Bogd suffers a mid-life crisis so deep that he sees no other alternative than to leave his job and his comfortable urban lifestyle. 

It is an act of pure desperation – a decision taken without having any clear idea of what it is he is actually looking for. He therefore frequently falls prey to moments of doubt, yet, deep inside of him, there are insistent memories and strong sensations that constantly drive him forward on a journey that, together with coachman Parkhurst, leads Mr. Bogd through an increasingly wild, imaginative and dangerous environment.

In short, it’s a story about forsaking what we know, what is safe, and what is all mapped out, in favour of an ideal of what constitutes the natural world. That distant, unlit, unknown, destination, whilst at the same time exploring why anyone would want to do such a thing. At its  heart it is a story about maintaining your innocence, and finding sanity and self- esteem, and what one is ready to give up in order to do so.

“The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Violet Vinyl LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders
Bandcamp: https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-mr-bogd-part-1

When they formed in 1993, RITUAL immediately established a distinct progressive style that is very much their own.  Influenced by the progressive rock and hardrock of the ‘70s, as well as contemporary bands, RITUAL’s sound has always been song-based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation, and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band’s frequent use of acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and the Swedish nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle).

With a  lineup composed of Patrik Lundström on lead vocals and guitar, Fredrik Lindqvist on bass, mandola, dulcimer, recorder and vocals, Jon Gamble on keyboards and  vocals, and Johan Nordgren on drums, nyckelharpa and vocals, RITUAL have established themselves as a confident and powerful live band through numerous tours around Europe and appearances at international festivals such as Rites Of Spring Fest in the USA and Baja Prog in Mexico.

RITUAL’s next live appearance will be on the 20th July at the Night of the Prog Festival, at the Loreley Amphitheater, in Bornich, Germany.

More information about RITUAL can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se or on the band’s website at https://ritual.se

A short, tongue-in cheek documentary about RITUAL finally rehearsing together after a prolonged absence apart can be seen below and at  https://youtu.be/xLTXwEuFkNo?si=nbR13I-akJ798w6A

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RITUAL
Ritual on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se
Ritual Website:  https://ritual.se
Band Contact:  ritual.se@gmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
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: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

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