Posts Tagged ‘Folk’

Up until now, LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE was known as a member of Prog Rockers WOBBLER, but thanks to Karisma Records the keyboard player will release his debut solo album “Fire Fortellinger” on the 2nd June. 

Inspired by renaissance music, 70s prog rock, especially from Italy, Norwegian 90s black metal, British rock and heavy metal  from the 60s and 70s, as well as folk music, jazz and psychedelic rock, Frøislie has created an album where each of its four tracks tells its own story, and today fans get to hear one of the tracks, “Et sted under himmelhvelvet”, which is available to stream or download from a number of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/LFF_EtStedUnderHimmelvelvet

About the track, Frøislie explained that “Et sted under himmelhvelvet” is a dreamy song which is “Possibly set in a Renaissance Garden near Florence. But in principle it can be anywhere where it feels good to be. It is partly about travelling to a place and feeling that you have been there before – only to find out that you had ancestors who lived there long ago”.

For “Fire Fortellinger” Frøislie takes on vocals and drums, as well as a formidable array of instruments including and a few tons of old analogue keyboards such as Hammond C3, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise spinet, Hohner Clavinet D6, Rhodes MkII and an Arp Pro Soloist. With him is Nikolai Hængsle (ELEPHANT9, NEEDLEPOINT, BIGBANG, BAND OF GOLD etc.) on Rickenbacker 4003, Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Precision and Fender Telecaster Bass.

Written during the pandemic “Fire Fortellinger” could well have been a totally different beast, one destined for a new WOBBLER album. However, circumstances being what they were, Frøislie had to work on the material alone, thereby being able to preserve a degree of spontaneity that would not have been possible had it had to pass through the band process of rehearsals and recording.   

“Fire Fortellinger” thus succeeds in preserving the impulsiveness of the original, allowing the audience to hear a finished work that is partly improvised and recorded in one take, free of any click tracks, auto-tune, MIDI or too much technology.

Track listing for “Fire Fortellinger” is as follows:

01. Rytter av dommedag
02. Et sted under himmelhvelvet
03. Jærtegn
04. Naturens katedral

With artwork by Frøislie himself “Fire Fortellinger” will be released in CD, Limited Edition LP and Digital formats and is now available to pre-order from the following:

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar253-lars-fredrik-froislie-fire-fortellinger/ 
Bandcamp: https://larsfredrikfroislie.bandcamp.com/album/fire-fortellinger  
US shop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Webshop General: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
All pre-order options & regularly updated all things album related: https://link.karismarecords.no/LFF_Fire-Fortellinger

Frøislie took advantage of the opportunities afforded by the pandemic to roam the countryside and draw inspiration from Norway’s past, which he then used to create the music and lyrics for “Fire Fortellinger”:

I dreamed myself back in time, and consumed music, art and literature from the old days. The music is characterized by this, and inspiration is drawn from, among other things, Snorre Sturlason, Sohlberg’s “Winter’s Night in the Mountains” and Hamsun’s “Growth of the Soil”. It is both a search back to an apparently more primitive time; as well as a quest back to nature and away from civilization and people.

I took many trips out to Raknehaugen in Romerike, as well as trips to an old cottage in Heidal and the home districts of Ringerike (with its many Viking graves and magical landscapes), and this can also be heard in the music.

It is this fascinating creative process that Frøislie explains in video series that describes the making of “Fire Fortellinger”. The first part can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/qApnt1EGBvM 

And the second below and at at  https://youtu.be/wl5fB6vDBBc

More information about LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE can be found at https://www.facebook.com/larsfredrikfroislie

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/larsfredrikfroislie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larsfredrikfroislie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fredfroi
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

Inspired by the classic bands and albums of the early 1970s progressive music scene, as well as  contemporary bands ÄNGLAGÅRD, ANEKDOTEN, WHITE WILLOW and LANDBERK, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (TCOFR for short) was founded back in 1993-94 by WOBBLER frontman Andreas W. S. Prestmo together with childhood friends Jon and Henrik, who shared a joint interest in folk tales, mythology, fantasy literature, psychedelia and adventurous music.

It was an exhilarating time filled with fiery discussions where we introduced each other to our latest musical, philosophical or literary discoveries and tried to win each other over. After a while, we created our own world inspired by these discoveries that besieged us.

From this period of creativity the story of the entity known as Father Robin emerged, a creature that embodied all the members of the band. As the members experienced challenges in life and developed as human beings, so the story of Father Robin took root in the mythical world of Airoea.

The first recording sessions started at Bekk Studios in Jæren, and over a span of 13 years they recorded what would eventually become “The Songs & Tales of Airoea”, which tells the tale of Father Robin’s journey in Airoea through 16 songs spread out over three albums.  

After a recording session we would typically walk down to the nearby beach. We discussed what we had done that day, but very often we started talking about what Father Robin would do next in the story we were continually writing. Where was he really going? Which implications and consequences did the choices we made that day have to say for the road and songs ahead? Holistic impulsivity and ideas, altruistic friendship, music, fantasies and coherent concept – all melded together in one pot.

The final pieces of the puzzle fell into place with the contributions of Lars Fredrik Frøislie (WOBBLER, IN LINGUA MORTUA, WHITE WILLOW) folksinger Aleksandra Morozova (MT. MELODIE, OSLO PHILHARMONIC CHOIR), Kristoffer Momrak (ALWANZATAR, TUSMØRKE, LES FLEURS DU MAL), Håkon Oftung (JORDSJØ) and illustrator Lars Kvernberg.

Thus “The Songs & Tales of Airoea” trilogy was finally complete, which is where Karisma Records comes in, because this summer they will join forces with the TCOFR’s own label, Old Oak Records, to unleash this beast onto an unsuspecting public. 

Karisma Records will release CD, Digital and Black Vinyl versions, whilst Old Oak Records will release a Deluxe Limited Edition coloured triple vinyl box set, something TCOFR have been looking forward to for a long, long, time:

The impulsive creative process and “collective brainstorming” that started in 1993 has more or less been the same all along. The ideas and the becoming concept have matured like an old wine in an abandoned fortress. We are now what we set out to be 30 years ago, and it feels bloody fantastic.

We’re therefore thrilled to be able announce this joint venture with Karisma Records, and proud to be a part of their ever-growing roster of exciting and talented artists. Karisma’s professional set up, network, and standing among artists and music lovers is a perfect match for THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN. It’s been 30 years in the making, but now the dream finally comes true.

Full details of “The Songs & Tales of Airoea” trilogy will be released soon, and in the meantime a teaser for the album can be heard at www.fatherrobin.com

Lots of more information about THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN can be found on the band’s website www.fatherrobin.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheChroniclesofFatherRobin  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN
Website: www.fatherrobin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChroniclesofFatherRobin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechroniclesoffatherrobin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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/

When Dark Essence Records recently announced the details of “Fremmede Toner”,  the upcoming release from  Norwegian Folk Prog Rockers LUMSK, it was clear that this was going to be a very unusual  album, as the band explained:

We stumbled upon «Fremmde Toner», a collection of poems the by Norwegian Author André Bjerke in which he had translated and re-created poems from different English and German speaking poets, and we realised that not only did we want to write music for the Norwegian poems, but also to write music for the original poems themselves. The idea of the concept was not to create the same songs twice, but to make the songs mirror each other in a way, trying to somehow recreate the idea of a translation or re-creation. Thus, as with the poems themselves, the songs are not the same, but are, nevertheless familiar.

In keeping with this concept, Dark Essence Records will be debuting a double single from the album, with Andre Bjerke´s “Det Døde Barn” and Conrad Ferdinand Meyer´s “Das Tode Kind” being the first pair to be released, and, according to LUMSK, this will be the first time that the band can be heard singing in German.

The two tracks can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Lumsk_DetDodeBarn_DasTodeKind

When LUMSK were formed in 1999 it was a time when metal bands and fans alike were exploring the use  regional folk traditions within music. Already sure that this was the direction in which they wanted their music to go, and with their use of heavy guitars, keyboard and organs, violins, session horns and female vocals, LUMSK were therefore ideally placed to build themselves from the ground up, and take their place in what was to become a sub-genre all of its own.

Having garnered  a considerable reputation, both at home and internationally, LUMSK took a hiatus which lasted sixteen years from the release of their last album, but now they are back with “Fremmede Toner” which will be the band’s fourth full-length release. 

Mixed by Rhys Marsh at Autumnsongs Recordings, and Mastering by Arnstein Fossvik at AudioMaster,  “Fremmede Toner”  is the LUMSK’s most varied and intriguing work to date , demonstrating how the band’s unique blend of metal and Nordic folk music melds together with rich textures and clever arrangements. 

Featuring works by some of the most famous European and North American poets, such as Nietzsche, Goethe, Swinburne etc., the “dual” concept of “Fremmede Toner”   is also reflected on the album cover by Per Spjøtvold, someone with whom the band has worked since the beginning.

Track listing is as follows:

  1. Det Døde Barn
  2. En Harmoni
  3. Avskjed
  4. Under Linden
  5. Fiolen
  6. Dagen er Endt
  7. Das Tode Kind
  8. A Match
  9. Abschied
  10. Under der Linden
  11. Das Veilchen
  12. The Day is Done

“Fremmede Toner” will be released on the 5th May in CD, Limited Edition Double LP in Gold and Turquoise vinyl and Digital formats, and is now available to pre-order from the following:  

BandCamp:  https://lumsk.bandcamp.com/album/fremmede-toner
Webshop:  https://darkessencerecords.no/kar215-lumsk-fremmede-toner/
US Webshop:  https://darkessence.indiemerch.com/

Having undergone a number of changes over the years, LUMSK’s seven-piece lineup today includes Mari Klingen on Vocals, Siv Lena Laugtug Sæther on Violin, Eystein Garberg on Guitar, Roar Grindheim on  Guitar, Espen Warankov Godø on Keyboards, Espen Hammer on Bass, and Vidar Berg on Drums, and more information about the band can be found on Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lumskmusic

A video for the track “Trolltind” from LUMSK’s 2005 album “Troll” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/qoifbhyp2BU

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lumskmusic  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumskband/
Band Contact: lumsk@hammersound.no
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/

LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE, keyboard player for Prog Rockers WOBBLER is set to release his debut solo album “Fire Fortellinger” on Karisma Records on the 2nd June. 

Comprised of four tunes, each one telling its own story, “Fire Fortellinger” came about during the pandemic when Frøislie was forced to isolate like everyone else, and chose to make this time as productive as possible. Explaining how the album was conceived and the inspiration that was behind it Frøislie had this to say:

During the pandemic, I dreamed myself back in time, and consumed music, art and literature from the old days. The music is characterized by this, and inspiration is drawn from, among other things, Snorre Sturlason, Vinternatt i Rondane and Markens Grøde. It is both a search back to an apparently more primitive time; as well as a quest back to nature and away from civilization and people.

I took many trips out to Raknehaugen in Romerike, as well as trips to an old cottage in Heidal and the home districts of Ringerike (with its many Viking graves and magical landscapes), and this can also be heard in the music.

Frøislie has also completed the first part of a video series in which he describes the making of “Fire Fortellinger” and it can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/qApnt1EGBvM 

Had it not been for the pandemic, much of the material on “Fire Fortellinger” would probably have been earmarked for a new WOBBLER album, with English lyrics and subjected to the revisions that are inevitable when a band gets together over new material. However, given that the circumstances dictated that he would have to work on the material alone, Frøislie was able to keep his material as spontaneous as possible, without having to put it through too many rounds of processing.  

He has thus succeeded in preserving the impulsiveness of the original, and, as a consequence, much of what the audience gets to hear is improvised and recorded in one take, thereby maintaining the hands-on human aspect with an avoidance of click tracks, auto-tune, MIDI or too much technology.

With a sound that draws its inspiration from 70s prog rock, especially from Italy, Norwegian 90s black metal, British rock and heavy metal  from the 60s and 70s, as well as folk music, jazz and psychedelic rock, “Fire Fortellinger” finds Frøislie on vocals and drums, and availing himself of a formidable array of instruments including Ludwig drums and a few tons of old analogue keyboards including Hammond C3, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise spinet, Hohner Clavinet D6, Rhodes MkII and an Arp Pro Soloist. With him is Nikolai Hængsle (ELEPHANT9, NEEDLEPOINT, BIGBANG, BAND OF GOLD etc.) on Rickenbacker, Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Precision and Fender Telecaster Bass.

The album artwork is by Frøislie himself and “Fire Fortellinger” will be available in CD, Limited Edition LP and Digital formats. Track listing is as follows:

01. Rytter av dommedag
02. Et sted under himmelhvelvet
03. Jærtegn
04. Naturens katedral

For those wishing to delve deeper into the stories behind each track, Frøislie was happy to oblige:

The first song “Rytter av dommedag” is themed around Ragnarok, when King Rakne awakens in his large burial mound outside Romerike and, together with the old gods, creates real mischief.

The second song “Et sted under himmelhvelvet” is dreamy, possibly set in a Renaissance garden near Florence or Arcadia. But in principle it can be anywhere where it feels good to be. It is partly about travelling to a place and feeling that you have been there before – only to find out that you had ancestors who lived there long ago.

The third song “Jærtegn” opens in a frenzy, with a horse and cart speeding through the forest. The wagon overturns at the same time as there is a solar eclipse, and the riders become eternal wanderers in the dark forest, only visible to us now and then like the northern lights, as they vainly stretch their arms towards the sun in the hope of finding their way home.

The final song “Naturens Katedral” is a depiction of the Norwegian mountains in winter where the cold is bitter, and blizzards and avalanches abound. It is also a search for bygone times when life was more basic out in the wilderness.

“Fire Fortellinger” is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar253-lars-fredrik-froislie-fire-fortellinger/ 
Bandcamp:  https://larsfredrikfrislie.bandcamp.com/album/fire-fortellinger
US shop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Webshop General: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
All pre-order options & regularly updated all things album related: https://link.karismarecords.no/LFF_Fire-Fortellinger

More information about LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE can be found at https://www.facebook.com/larsfredrikfroislie

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/larsfredrikfroislie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larsfredrikfroislie/
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

“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

They’re back. Norway’s most unique and anarchic Psychedelic Folk Rock Proggers TUSMØRKE are back with a brand new album.  And not just any album because “Nordisk Krim” is the fulfilment of a dream as old as TUSMØRKE itself.

As the band explains:

When we formed in 1994, there was a plan to record a concept album about Danish bog bodies. As children, we visited the museums of Moesgaard and Silkeborg, transfixed by the sight of the black bodies with orange hair. Shortly after, we discovered heavy metal. Funny how you can love a genre from the age of 7 and still never learn how to play it.

Or, to quote Philip K. Dick’s “The Man in the High Castle”:

“Metal is from the earth, he thought as he scrutinized. From below: from that realm which is the lowest, the most dense. Land of trolls and caves, dank, always dark. Yin world, in its most melancholy aspect. World of corpses, decay and collapse. Of faeces. All that has died, slipping and disintegrating back down layer by layer. The daemonic world of the immutable; the time-that-was.” 

The title Nordisk Krim (Nordic Crime) refers to the fact that the bog bodies were first thought to be a police matter. In reality, the true crime was disturbing the gifts to the gods in their slumber. Nordisk Krim celebrates the willing victims of ancient rites, those whose bodies are in the bog but whose souls are among the stars in the heavens.

So get ready for a taste of this epic double album because today Karisma Records have released “Age of Iron Man” a single and video taken from the album.  

The “Age of Iron Man” single can be streamed or downloaded at https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/ageofironman

Whilst the video can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/Xj-BA1hURB8

The band had this to say about “Age of Iron Man”

Age of Iron Man celebrates ancient rites of pagan Denmark. Elite members  of society would travel to the world of the gods beyond the bog, never  to return. Or would they? Killed thrice by knife, blunt instrument and  rope, submerged in sacred ponds, the bog bodies slept through the  centuries, skin tanned black, hair dyed orange. When they were dug up,  police sought their killers, only to realize they were 1500 years too  late. 

For Norwegians, Denmark has always been the  promised land; a place of plenty, of freedom, of rock’n’roll and red  hotdogs. Denmark manages to be the smaller country and yet the older  brother; hip, cool and always closer to Germany than, say Sweden. The  sacrificial cult of the goddess Nerthus was documented by the travelling  historian Gaius Tacitus in 98 and has had a strong pull on
Norwegian  minds ever since. To go to Denmark and lose your worries, your  inhibitions and your head is a trip that never gets old.

The lineup on “Nordisk Krim”  includes  Benediktator (bass & vocals), Krizla (flute & vocals), HlewagastiR (drums), Haugebonden Gode Gullstein (keys) and Åsa Ree (violin), Everything was recorded and produced in Benedikator’s home studio (Det Ytre Rommet), except field recordings and some bubble noises recorded in the bathtub (The Bubble Bath of Blood). 

With artwork by Anne Margrete Sjøflot, track listing on “Nordisk Krim”, which is a double concept album coming in at a whopping 82 minutes is as follows:

  1. Ride the Whimbrel
  2. Age of Iron Man
  3. Mumia
  4. Cauldron Bog
  5. Dog’s Flesh
  6. Moss Goddess
  7. Black Incubation
  8. Et Moselik
  9. Heksejakt
  10. (The Marvellous and Murderous) Mysteries of Sacrifice

“Nordisk Krim” is set for release on the 26th February 2021, will be available in Double CD, and Double LP in transparent magenta vinyl (limited to 666 copies) as well as in Digital formats.  It can be pre-ordered at:

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/ 

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: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

Elvarhøi Logo PR

For Norwegian Folk Metallers ELVARHØI choosing the 30th October to release their long-awaited debut full-length album “Dansen låter fra graven åter” was a no brainer, because fifteen years ago to the day is when the band itself was formed.

To celebrate the impeding release ELVARHØI have debuted a video for a track from the album.  Titled “Vertshuset Dovregubben” the video is in the form of a fascinating screen capture of the work of artist Even Mehl Amundsen, taking the viewer through the process he underwent to create the beautifully detailed cover art for “Dansen låter fra graven åter”.

The video can be seen below and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6tZEOXPmcoA


A
The single can also be downloaded or streamed at:  https://elvarhoi.fanlink.to/dovregubben

The track itself tells the story of a plucky youngster who, one especially cold winter night, comes across an invitingly warm tavern, filled to overflowing with all sorts of characters and strange artefacts. Here he witnesses his first hanging – that of a fiddler accused of possessing the good people of the town. As the noose tightens, it generates a tone that resonates within the fiddle, which starts to play on its own, and before his mind’s eye the fiddler can see the long afterlife amongst the hills that awaits him, and all the others in the room.

It may seem that fifteen years is a long incubation period for a debut album, but during its making ELVARHØI underwent a journey filled with doubt, dispossession and ultimately death and defeat. But with determination the band have come up with “Dansen låter fra graven åter”, an album of which its members can be rightly proud.

Produced by the band and recorded between the winter of 2017 and the summer of 2019 at Rönnhögen Lydvær, ELVARHØI’s home studio in the Swedish woods, with additional recording at Studio Hemstad in Holter, it was mixed by Markus Skroch at the Kalthallen Studio and mastered by Magnus «Devo» Andersson (MARDUK) at his Endarker Studio. With artwork by Even Mehl Amundsen and photos by Marcus Eriksson, tracklisting for «Dansen låter fra graven åter» is as follows:

  1. Bruremarsj
  2. Hva er en konge?
  3. Kjenningsvisa
  4. Det grå riket
  5. Vertshuset Dovregubben
  6. Trolljuvshallingen
  7. Tilbake til intet
  8. Kalde netter

 

Elvarhøi AlbumArt PR

ELVARHØI’s lineup of Christopher Rakkestad (RAGNAROK, JORDSKIPSTYRANN) on Bass & Vocals, Magnus Wandås on the Hardanger Fiddle, Sean Murphy on Flutes, Carl Engstrøm (ASTAROTH, DØDSFALL, KVALVAAG, SARPEDON, TROLL, MOLOCH, to name but a few) on Drums, and Martin Langebraaten (SARPEDON, RAVEN WING, FROSTHEIM, SOLMUND) on Guitars, brings with it musicians whose backgrounds span Folk Metal and Extreme Metal as well as traditional Norwegian and Celtic folk music. The band’s songs mirror the profane world in a language of Faerie and adventure, and the eclectic backgrounds of its members enables ELVARHØI to create a down-to-earth sound and style that is redolent of the golden age of Folk Rock, whilst bringing it firmly into the realm of modern Folk Metal.

Elvarhøi Band Photo PR

The sound of the album is a joyous mix between the distinct timbre of Norwegian Folk Music and 70s Rock and Prog, draped over the bones of Heavy Metal. The songs range from triumphant metal anthems, to soft and lush “folk singer-esque” ballads. As  songwriter and bassist, Christopher Rakkestad, explains:

When Elvarhøi started up  in 2005 we concentrated on medieval ballads, with a focus on paying homage to the cultural heritage of the romantic era.  We’ve had an incredibly long musical journey since then, where we held Norwegian folk music up against the backdrop of everything from Black Metal to contemporary music. “Dansen låter fra graven åter” bears the mark of this entire journey, and today we have become a band who boldly cross  any musical boundary in order to tell the story we want to share. Our aim is to give something positive to the listener.

The title «Dansen låter fra graven åter» is a line from the debut single “Vertshuset Dovregubben”, in which the fiddler must die after having caused too much senseless revelry. And when the tune keeps playing from beyond the grave, that’s when the party finally kicks into the magical sixth gear. Magnus Wandås, fiddler and lyrical mastermind of the band, explains about the choice of title and the process the band went through to produce the album :

«Dansen låter fra graven åter» translates into something like ‘The dance continues from beyond the grave.’ A few years ago, we would have told you that this album, or any album, would never survive our work process. But we’re far too stubborn to quit, no matter how monumental the task is. And since we wholeheartedly believe in the strength of this material, we couldn’t ever let it go. This attitude could easily have been our downfall, but it must have proved to be a strength.  Why? Because here we are, back from the grave and stronger than ever for having gone through the ordeal.

“Dansen låter fra graven åter” will be released by ELVARHØI’s own label Ramljod Records, in both Jewel Case CD format complete with a 24-page booklet, and digital format. It is now available to pre-order from https://elvarhoi.bandcamp.com

ELVARHØI will be debuting the new album live in Oslo on the 19th October at the Rock In. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/396486787592019/

Elverhoi Release Party PR

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elvarhoi
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/elvarhoi
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elvarhoi
Website https://www.elvarhoi.com
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lfN0nltKrMVZ1ePNEKTv7
Vk https://vk.com/elvarhoivk
Bandcamp https://elvarhoi.bandcamp.com
Band Contact and Booking: post@elvarhoi.com
PR: patriciathomas@btinternet.com
Even Mehl Amundsen: https://www.patreon.com/tegn

tusmørke video still PR

With their latest release “Osloborgerlig Tusmørke: Vardøger og utburder vol. 1” set to hit the streets on Karisma Records on the 30th November, Norway’s TUSMØRKE have released a video for “Skattegravere i Grefsenåsen” , the opening  track from the album.

The stop motion video by Sondre Bergersen Mæland of Wild Man Movies can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/hqbZ6DauXyg


A
Commenting on the song , TUSMØRKE had this to say:

“Skattegravere i Grefsenåsen”  was written during the winter of 2015 and recorded in Det Ytre Rommet  during 2017 and 2018 by Benediktator. The inspiration for the lyrics came from a folk tale by Asbjørnsen & Moe,  as well as from the legends about children who find  silver under rocks in the wilderness. There are stories of poor people stepping on stones and hearing the clang of metal and finding buried and forgotten treasure. There are also stories of people hearing the sound, only to realise later what it must have been and going on the spend the rest of their lives searching for the spot, never to find it again and driven mad with frustration and the lust for coin.

“Osloborgerlig Tusmørke: Vardøger og utburder vol. 1” itself is a a concept album that explores the rich history and mythology of Norway’s capital city Oslo. Vardøger are premonitions that precede an actual event. Utburder are infants who are abandoned in the woods at birth and whose haunting cries reverberate eerily through the night .

TUSMØRKE describe “Osloborgerlig Tusmørke: Vardøger og utburder vol. 1” as “the signs of things to come and the sounds of the unwanted”, and, as the “vol 1” part of its title suggests, the album  is the first part of a series of compilations that feature songs, demos, outtakes and curios that didn’t QUITE make it onto TUSMØRKE’s albums themselves.  It will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition vinyl formats with the  first LP being released on transparent orange vinyl (limited to 700 copies) with a 4 page lyric booklet and an A2 poster.

With artwork by the renowned Norwegian artist Arne Bendik Sjur  “Osloborgerlig Tusmørke: Vardøger og utburder vol. 1”, is available to pre-order in all formats from https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/osloborgerlig-tusm-rke-vard-ger-og-utburder-vol-1

Tracklisting is as follows:

  1. Skattegravere i Grefsenåsen
  2. Hovedøya
  3. Gamle Oslo
  4. Djevelen fra Oslo
  5. Kjentmannen
  6. Akers Akropolis
  7. Alvene i Oslo
  8. Gamle Aker Kjerke

Tusmørke Osloborgerlig CoverartPR

TUSMØRKE recently released a single taken from the album for the track “Kjentmannen” which can be streamed and downloaded at https://karismarecords.lnk.to/kjentmannen

Featuring members of WOBBLER, JORDSJØ and ALWANZATAR,  TUSMØRKE’s lineup fields an almost dizzying variety of instruments,  and is comprised of  Benediktator on Bass, vocals, Glockenspiel and percussion, Krizla on Flute, vocals, electronics and percussion,  The Phenomenon Marxo Solinas on Minimoog Model D, Korg CX3, William de Blaise on harpsichord, Steinway & Sons Grand Piano, Hohner Clavinet D6, Mellotron M400, Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200 and Solina String Ensemble, Dauinghorn on  Clavinet, Hammond, grand piano, acoustic and electric guitars, and additional flute, and HlewagastiR on Drums and percussion.

Tusmorke PRNew

TUSMØRKE’s will be holding a listening and Q&A session at the Platebutikken Big Dipper in Oslo on Tuesday 27 November.  Details of the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/2115575042036695/

They will also be celebrating the release of “Osloborgerlig Tusmørke: Vardøger og utburder vol. 1” with the following two shows supported by SAMMAL and BISMARCK:

30 November:  Røverstaden, Oslo
https://www.facebook.com/events/289436484979229/

01 December:  Inside, Bergen
https://www.facebook.com/events/552001755238553/

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
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music
Karisma Records on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma Records on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
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 Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

 

Tusmorke PR4

When a band releases an album filled with fairy tale characters and a generous helping of magic in its  storyline, it’s reasonable to suppose that there will be enough material for a video, and,  indeed, for the latest single taken from their new album “Bydyra”, TUSMØRKE have treated us to one such video.

The single,  “Lær de fattige å trylle” (Teach Magic to the Poor), is just one of the fifteen tracks on “Bydyra”, an album that consists of two original mini musicals, written specifically for a local children’s school in Oslo, with those same children also taking part.

Whilst “Bydyra”, which translated means “Urban Wildlife”,  is aimed at children, it is, nevertheless, appealing to adults as well, with its  lyrical and musical exploration of relatively “grown up” themes such as  urban wildlife, the skyrocketing prices of housing in Oslo, the financial crisis, social issues, global warming, and good and bad magic.

And this duality of appeal is perfectly illustrated in the subject matter of the track, “Lær de fattige å trylle”,  and its humorous accompanying video,  resonating clearly in a society where people are constantly encouraged to increase their spending by increasing their debt.  As TUSMØRKE explain:

“Teaching magic to the poor is a cunning plot initiated by the dark lords of the spheres of finance. By employing the black arts of modern alchemy, even the destitute can become eager consumers, on credit. Thus, the basest elements of the population are turned into gold, as debt slaves to the banks. Never trust a sorcerer who wears a suit and not a robe.”

The video for “Lær de fattige å trylle” by Aleksander U. Serigstad / Mondo Cane,  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/CFASvsogk4s


A
The single itself, released on the 27th October in digital format, is available from
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/ track/l-r-de-fattige-trylle
Phonophile:  http://phonofile.link/laer-de-fattige-aa-trylle

Tusmorke 3rd Single PR

With  artwork commissioned from the legendary Norwegian artist Thore Hansen, “Bydyra”    is an album filled with enchantment as it follows the adventures of three magical creatures – a crow, a badger and a squirrel.  Tracklisting on “Bydyra” is as follows:

01. Tre som bor i et Tre (Three who live in a Tree)
02. Trefar (Tree Father)
03. Mellomspill (Interlude)
04. Rottekongen (The Rat King)
05. På Biblioteket (At the Library)
06. Vi er eid (We are owned)
07. Dyrene i Byen (The Animals in the City)
08. Elvene i Oslo (The Rivers of Oslo)
09. Signekjerringa (The Sibyl)
10. Tenkeren (The Thinker)
11. Trollmannen (The Enchanter)
12. Lær de fattige å trylle (Teach Magic to the Poor)
13. Dyrene bor ute (Animals Live Outside)
14. Underboerne (The Underdwellers)
15. Katabasis

Rusmorke AlbumArt
Karisma Records are set to release “Bydyra” on the 10th November  in CD Digipak, Transparent Green Vinyl, Black Vinyl, and Digital formats  which are now available to pre-order  from the following:

EU: https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/tusmorke/
Bandcamp: https://tusm-rke. bandcamp.com/
USA: https://karismarecords. aisamerch.com/

TUSMØRKE’s members, drawn from bands such as WOBBLER, JORDSJØ and ALWANZATAR, field  an almost dizzying variety of instruments,  allowing the band develop its own unique take on Prog.   Comprised of  Benediktator on vocals, bass, acoustic guitars, Glockenspiel, jaw harp, assorted percussion and loads of handclaps, Krizla on vocals, flute and electronics, HlewagastiR on drums and percussion, Dauinghorn av Jordsjø  on electric guitar, and The Phenomenon Marxo Solina  on Steinway & Sons grand piano, MiniMoog model D, Solina Strings Ensemble, Mellotron M400, SCI Prophet-5, Arp Axxe, Arp Pro Soloist and Lindholm Spinet, TUSMØRKE is proving to be popular not only with their studio output, but also live on stage.

Tusmorke PR1

Photo by Terje Skår

TUSMØRKE will be appearing at the Dødes Helg event which will be held at the Aye Aye Club / Tortuga in Oslo from the 3 – 5 November, and will also play the following dates in Norway:

28 Oct:  Brekkenparken, Skien
11 Nov:  Big Dipper, Oslo
12 Nov:  Sentralen UNG, Oslo
10 Dec:  Blarollinger, Oslo

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

TUSMØRKE’s previous two singles can be heard at https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/bydyra

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com
Band contact: tusmorke.booking@gmail.com
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 Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music
Karisma Records KlickTrack Store:  http://shop.klicktrack.com/karismadarkessencerecords

Tusmorke PR4

When Norwgian Prog Folk Rockers TUSMØRKE announced that their fifth full-length album “Bydyra” would consist of  two original mini musicals that were written specifically for a local children’s school in Oslo, and that children from the school would be taking part on the album, it certainly piqued the interest not only of the prog community, but  also from music fans in general, who were interested in seeing what the result would be.

Having already released one single from the album, TUSMØRKE are giving fans and interested parties another glimpse into “Bydyra”  with the release of the the track titled “Rottekongen” (The Rat King).  According to the band:  “When the Rat King isn’t devouring books in the library (literally), he roams about with his street gang, pestering strangers to make them feel unwelcome. These animals are pests, not pets”

“Rottekongen” is available from the following:
Bandcamp: https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/track/rottekongen
iTunes/Tidal/Spotify/Tidal: http://phonofile.link/ rottekongen
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4YOufzCK2W5ea4Ghh8XRIu


A
Tusmorke Rottekongen PR

“Bydyra”, which translated means “Urban Wildlife”,  is an album filled with enchantment as it follows the adventures of three magical creatures – a crow, a badger and a squirrel.  But adult fans of TUSMØRKE need not be dismayed though, because it will also appeal to them with its lyrical and musical exploration of relatively “grown up” themes such as  urban wildlife, the skyrocketing prices of housing in Oslo, the financial crisis, social issues, global warming, and good and bad magic.

With  artwork especially commissioned from the legendary Norwegian artist Thore Hansen, and set for release on Karisma Records on the 10th November,   tracklisting for “Bydyra”  is as follows:

01. Tre som bor i et Tre (Three who live in a Tree)
02. Trefar (Tree Father)
03. Mellomspill (Interlude)
04. Rottekongen (The Rat King)
05. På Biblioteket (At the Library)
06. Vi er eid (We are owned)
07. Dyrene i Byen (The Animals in the City)
08. Elvene i Oslo (The Rivers of Oslo)
09. Signekjerringa (The Sibyl)
10. Tenkeren (The Thinker)
11. Trollmannen (The Enchanter)
12. Lær de fattige å trylle (Teach Magic to the Poor)
13. Dyrene bor ute (Animals Live Outside)
14. Underboerne (The Underdwellers)
15. Katabasis

Rusmorke AlbumArt

TUSMØRKE’s members, drawn from bands such as WOBBLER, JORDSJØ and ALWANZATAR, field  an almost dizzying variety of instruments,  allowing the band develop its own unique take on Prog.   Comprised of  Benediktator on vocals, bass, acoustic guitars, Glockenspiel, jaw harp, assorted percussion and loads of handclaps, Krizla on vocals, flute and electronics, HlewagastiR on drums and percussion, Dauinghorn av Jordsjø  on electric guitar, and The Phenomenon Marxo Solina  on Steinway & Sons grand piano, MiniMoog model D, Solina Strings Ensemble, Mellotron M400, SCI Prophet-5, Arp Axxe, Arp Pro Soloist and Lindholm Spinet, TUSMØRKE is proving to be popular not only with their studio output, but also live on stage.

Tusmorke PR1

Photo by Terje Skår

“Bydyra”, which is available in CD Digipak, Transparent Green Vinyl, Black Vinyl, and Digital formats  can now be pre-ordered from the following:

EU: https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/tusmorke/
Bandcamp: https://tusm-rke. bandcamp.com/
USA: https://karismarecords. aisamerch.com/

TUSMØRKE will be appearing at the Dødes Helg event which will be held at the Aye Aye Club / Tortuga in Oslo from the 3 – 5 November, and will also play the following dates in Norway:

28 Oct:  Brekkenparken, Skien
11 Nov:  Big Dipper, Oslo
12 Nov:  Sentralen UNG, Oslo
10 Dec:  Blarollinger, Oslo

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

Both “Rottekongen” and TUSMØRKE’s previous single, Trefar, or Tree Father,  who  “knows all that goes on in the forest. Where his knowledge dries out, the City Animals must seek out the Library to consult the letters printed on his pulped, dried and flattened children”, can be heard below and at http://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/bydyra


A

Tusmorke Trefar PR

The official video for the track “Offerpresten” from TUSMØRKE’s 2014 album “Riset Bak Speilet” can be seen at https://youtu.be/2kMmWp2DqtQ


A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Tusmorke/
Bandcamp:  https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com
Band contact: tusmorke.booking@gmail.com
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 Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music
Karisma Records KlickTrack Store:  http://shop.klicktrack.com/karismadarkessencerecords