Norway | PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

Posts Tagged ‘Norway’

GENRE-DEFYING DUO LETHE REVEAL ALBUM DETAILS, NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

Posted: February 16, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Dark Essence Records, Electronic, Experimental, Lethe, Metal, Norway, Pop, Triphop

Following the inevitable delays that the past few years have wrought on new releases, LETHE are finally back with their third full-length album, scheduled for release on Dark Essence Records on the 24th April.

Titled “Alienation” the album continues to explore LETHE’s idiosyncratic soundscapes, described variously as “genre-bending”, “style-bastardization”, “eclectic”, and even “just plain weird”. However, this time the Swiss/Norwegian duo of Tor-Helge Skei (MANES, MANII etc.) and Anna Murphy (CELLAR DARLING, ex-ELUVEITIE) also dip their toes into new territories.

And, whilst waiting for the release date to arrive, Dark Essence Records have today released “Erosion” a track taken from the album, and about which LETHE had this to say:

It’s hard to pick out one song to represent the album, but ‘Erosion’ might give a little clue about what you can expect from the “Alienation”. Or not.. Joining us on the song are Tor Arne Helgesen on drums, Eivind Fjøseide on guitars and Marita Hellem on vocals.

“Erosion” can be downloaded or streamed on various services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Lethe_Erosion

Accompanying the single is a video comprised of clips taken from ‘Point of Return’ (University of Oklahoma), which can be seen below:

Formed in 2012, and taking their name from one of the five rivers in Hades in Greek mythology, LETHE was originally created as a home for Anna and Tor-Helge’s musical and artistic experimentation. And, right from the start, the duo made it very clear that the only rule is that there are no rules, no expectations and no compromises.

This has resulted in the band being able to experiment on every level, whilst being absolutely unafraid of incorporating melody and catchiness into their sound. LETHE’s music is therefore quite personal and different. A unique melting pot of dark rock, pop, electronic, experimentation and metal, filled with an atmosphere that is cold and harsh and interwoven with beautiful melodies and mesmerizing grooves.

With artwork by Tom Korsvold “Alienation” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Purple Vinyl, and track listing is as follows:

Anhedonia
Brighter
When it’s Over
Éternel
Crossroads
Sedator
Erosion
Worm

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

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://lethemetal.bandcamp.com/album/alienation
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Commenting on the album, LETHE explained that:

“Alienation” took years longer than planned, because of a lot of things, circumstances far beyond our control, but it’s finally here! The 3rd chapter of the Lethe saga! As always, it’s an eclectic blend of expressions and atmospheres and moods, and not many defined borders, styles or rules.. Lyrically it’s about being outsiders, outcasts, and alienated in various forms, mentally, physically, ideologic(ally).. and musically.. (hence the album title).. So, join us on another journey, a personal and alternate one..

More information about LETHE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LetheProject or on their website at https://torhelgeskei.com/lethe/

PROG ROCKERS AIRBAG AND KARISMA RECORDS RENEW LONG-STANDING COLLABORATION

Posted: February 1, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Airbag, Karisma Records, Norway, Norwegian Prog Rock, Oak, Prog, Prog Rock

With their sixth full-length album well on its way to completion, Norwegian Prog Rockers AIRBAG will continue their journey with Karisma Records who have worked alongside the band since the very start.

It has been a collaboration that has stood both the band and the label in good stead over the past couple of decades, as AIRBAG explained:

We’re very excited to continue the strong partnership with Karisma Records. They’ve supported the band since the beginning, always with a firm understanding and belief in what we create. We really can’t wait to release our new album!

Formed in the mid 2000’s by five high school classmates, AIRBAG’s lineup today still includes two of those original members, Asle Tostrup on vocals and Bjørn Riis on guitars, plus Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums.

Since its inception, the band’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and sounds, with a strong narrative listening experience, has seen AIRBAG earn the plaudit as one of the most important bands to have emerged from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades.

Karisma Records themselves are equally as enthusiastic to continue working and growing the relationship with AIRBAG as AIRBAG is enthusiastic about continuing to work and grow with the label:

We’re super happy to continue our journey with Airbag for their next albums. The band has been an integral part defining and growing Karisma Records for many years now, and it has been a privilege to see the band develop. Working with Airbag is always a pleasure, both professionally and personally. Having heard the master for the upcoming album, we can promise you yet another awesome piece of work!

AIRBAG will be appearing at the Cosmpopolite Scene in Oslo, Norway, along with label-mates OAK, on the 10th February. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/298621546507344/

More information about AIRBAG can be found on the band’s website at http://www.airbagsound.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound

A video of AIRBAG performing in Quebec in 2019 can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/3fFoN-JJr-U

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AIRBAG
Website: www.airbagsound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound
YouTube: www.youtube.com/airbagsound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airbagsound/
Airbag Booking: bjorn@airbag.no
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 REVEALS NEW SINGLE FROM THE FINAL PART OF THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN’S AIROEA FANTASY TRILOGY

Posted: January 17, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Father Robin, Jordsjø, Karisma Records, Norway, Prog, Prog Rock, Samuel Jackson Five, The Chronicles of Father Robin, Tusmorke, Wobbler

All things have a beginning, a middle and an end, and so it is with the fantasy trilogy by Norwegian Prog Rockers THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN, who follow the adventures of the mystical creature Father Robin over the triple concept album “The Songs & Tales of Airoea”.

Starting out with “Book I: The Tale of Father Robin (The State of Nature)” which was released in September of 2023 and is set on the land , followed by the December release of “Book II: Ocean Traveller (Metamorphosis)”, which takes place on the sea, we now come to 2024 and the much-anticipated release of “Book III: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)” which takes place in the Cloud Lands in the Sky and is due to hit the streets on the 23 February.

And today, Karisma Records have released the opening track from the album as a single. Titled “Magical Chronicle”, it is a vocal driven track full of lush harmonies and clear references to prog classics such as GENTLE GIANT, YEZDA URFA and the Canterbury Scene.

“Magical Chronicle“, can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at :

https://link.karismarecords.no/TCOFR_MagicalChronicle

The lineup of THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (or TCOFR for short) draws its members from some of the most respected bands on Norway’s Prog Rock scene, and as a result you will find musicians from WOBBLER, JORDSJØ, TUSMØRKE and seasoned post-rockers THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE in its ranks.

Emerging during 1993-94 from what was left of the band FANGORN, and inspired in large part by the classic bands and albums that were part of the 1970s progressive music scene, it took thirty years for TCOFR to complete “The Songs & Tales of Airoea”, trilogy.

The result of these thirty years of work is the creation of a whole fantastical world through which Father Robin travels and undergoes a whole series of adventures spanning three decades and told through 18 songs spread out over the three albums.

Contributors to the Trilogy include Thomas Kaldhol (MT. MELODIÉ, THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE), 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.

Tracklisting on “Book III: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)” (which follows on directly from Books I and II) is as follows:

13. Magical Chronicle
14. Skyslumber
15. Cloudship
16. Empress of the Sun
17. Lost in the Palace Gardens
18. Epilogue

“Book III” will be released in CD, Digital and LP formats and is available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://fatherrobin.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

“Book III” makes a fitting closing chapter to the trilogy, starting off as it does with the upbeat “Magical Chronicle”, followed by the atmospheric “Skyslumber”, and “Cloudship”, the soaring prog ballad that YES never wrote. The album then explodes into the dynamic psych-rocker “Empress of the Sun”, a song full of energy and contrast that eventually slides into a keyboard lead middle part that is reminiscent of THE DOORS at their most adventurous.

The closing part of “Book III” begins with “Lost in the Palace Gardens” a track that starts off with a beautiful acoustic guitar part that not only brings to mind British folk bands such as STEELEYE SPAN, but also the guitar work of a certain JIMMY PAGE. The track follows up with vocal parts where the voices of Andreas Prestmo and Aleksandra Morozova flawlessly complement each other, making it a perfect culmination of this highly ambitious body of work.

THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN are set to appear at the 21st International Art Rock Festival Minnuendö at the Peralta Auditorium in Navarra, Spain on the 11th May.

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: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING MADDER MORTEM ALBUM

Posted: January 12, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Americana, Dark Essence Records, Extreme, Heavy, Madder Mortem, Metal, Norway, Post Metal, Prog, Rock

With the release date of MADDER MORTEM “Old Eyes, New Heart”, fast approaching, Dark Essence Records have today revealed a new track from the album. Titled “Unity”, it is, according to the band:

A song about not lying to oneself, facing reality head-on and with honesty. Musically, “Unity” blends Muse-ish excess with Eastern rhythmic and melodic influences and a sing-along chorus, all wrapped in a very Madder Mortem mix of heaviness and atmosphere.

“Unity” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Madder-Mortem_Unity

Set for release on the 26th January, “Old Eyes, New Heart” is the eighth full-length album from MADDER MORTEM, a band that has never sought to fit into any particular category, but has preferred rather to draw upon styles such as Prog and Metal, Rock and Extreme, much to the delight of their many fans.

With “Old Eyes, New Heart”, MADDER MORTEM’s lineup of Agnete M. Kirkevaag on vocals, BP M. Kirkevaag on guitar & vocals, Anders Langberg on guitars, Tormod L. Moseng on bass and Mads Solås on drums have created a work that follows many unexpected directions ranging from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between

Recorded and produced by BP M. Kirkevaag, the album is an exploration of hope, disappointment, and the ambivalence between them. It is, essentially, music that comes from old hearts and deep roots, with new eyes open to the unlimited possibilities of 12 notes. But, as always, MADDER MORTEM’s intention is to write a good, honest song. And with “Old Eyes, New Heart” they have succeeded admirably.

But it is also an album whose creation has not been without turmoil, and with it also came the heartbreak that was felt at the death of Jakob Kirkevaag, the much-loved father of band members Agnete and BP, and a man whose unfailing support has been so important to MADDER MORTEM from its very inception almost 30 years ago.

“Old Eyes, New Heart”, is, in fact, dedicated to Jakob, an artist in his own right, who sadly did not live long-enough to see or hear the finished work. However, his contribution to the band lives on, because, with the help of MADDER MORTEM’s long-time collaborator, the artist and video producer Costin Chioreanu, two of Jakob’s original paintings were adapted to form the cover art for “Old Eyes, New Heart”.

“Old Eyes, New Heart”, will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP formats in White Vinyl (limited to 250 copies) and Blue Vinyl (limited to 250 copies), and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar270-madder-mortem-old-eyes-new-heart/
BandcampL https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Tracklisting on “Old Eyes, New Heart” is as follows:

Coming from the Dark
On Guard
Master Tongue
The Head that Wears the Crown
Cold Hard Rain
Unity
Towers
Here and Now
Things I’ll Never Do
10. Long Road

A release party for will be held at the Rockefeller / John Dee / Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway on the 3rd February, and fans will also be able to see MADDER MORTEM perform at this year’s Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo on Saturday 30th March.

A video by Patrick Scantlebury for “Towers” the recently released first single from “Old Eyes, New Heart” can be seen below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

More information about MADDER MORTEM can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mmortem or on the band’s website at http://www.maddermortem.com/

KARISMA RECORDS REVEALS ALBUM DETAILS AND SINGLE FROM THE FINAL PART OF THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN’S AIROEA FANTASY TRILOGY

Posted: December 15, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Adventures, Fantasy, Folk, Karisma Records, Norway, Prog, Prog Rock, Progressive, Psychedelia, The Chronicles of Father Robin, Trilogy

The 23 February sees the release of “Book III: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)”, the final album in the CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN’s Airoea fantasy trilogy.

Chronicling the journeys of Father Robin through the mystical world of Airoea, the trilogy tracks the adventures of our indomitable hero who finally reaches the end of his travels, (or should that be travails?) in “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book 3: Magical Chronicle (Ascension)” in which he explores the Cloud Lands in the Sky.

With fans of Prog Rockers CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (TCOFR for short) curious to see what will befall Father Robin as he embarks on his final trek, Karisma Records have today released a single from the album.

Titled “Empress of the Sun” the track can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/TCOFR_EmpressoftheSun

“Book III” makes a fitting closing chapter to the trilogy, starting off as it does with the upbeat “Magical Chronicle”, a vocal driven track full of lush harmonies and clear references to prog classics such as GENTLE GIANT, YEZDA URFA and the Canterbury Scene. Followed by the atmospheric “Skyslumber”, and “Cloudship”, the soaring prog ballad that YES never wrote, the album then explodes into the dynamic psych-rocker “Empress of the Sun”, a song full of energy and contrast that eventually slides into a keyboard lead middle part that is reminiscent of THE DOORS at their most adventurous.

Tracklisting on “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book III” (which follows on directly from Books I and II) is as follows:

13. Magical Chronicle
14. Skyslumber
15. Cloudship
16. Empress of the Sun
17. Lost in the Palace Gardens
18. Epilogue

Rising from the remains of the band FANGORN, and Inspired mainly by the classic bands and albums that were part of the 1970s progressive music scene, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN emerged during 1993 – 94, coming up alongside contemporaries such as ÄNGLAGÅRD, ANEKDOTEN, WHITE WILLOW and LANDBERK.

Featuring a veritable all-star team of members drawn from some of the most revered progressive rock bands from Norway – WOBBLER, JORDSJØ, TUSMØRKE and seasoned post-rockers THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE, it took thirty years for TCOFR to complete their concept Trilogy.

The result is a cohesive triple concept album spanning three decades and featuring a total of 18 songs, spread out over three albums. Contributors to the Trilogy include Thomas Kaldhol (MT. MELODIÉ, THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE), 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.

With “Book I” having been released in September and “Book II” in December of 2023, “Book III” will be available in CD, Digital and LP formats, whilst the complete Trilogy is available as a Deluxe Limited Edition Triple Coloured Vinyl Box Set on Old Oak Records.

Pre-orders are now available from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://fatherrobin.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

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

MADDER MORTEM RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: December 13, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Alfapokalyptic Rock, Americana, Avant-Garde, Dark Essence Records, Extreme, Grunge, Madder Mortem, Norway, Post Metal, Prog, Rock

Five years after the release of “Marrow” MADDER MORTEM will be back on the 26th January 2024 with their 8th full-length album “Old Eyes, New Heart”, and, whilst fans wait for its release, Dark Essence Records has today debuted a single taken from the album.

Titled “The Head That Wears The Crown” MADDER MORTEM explained that this track is

A typical example of how Madder Mortem’s song writing works, combining an intensely melodic, nearly baroque verse with a down-tuned, heavy-handed riff-based refrain very suitable for banging your head. The lyrics deal with how there are some lines that will not be crossed and some things that will not be handed out for free, not even for love”.

“The Head That Wears The Crown” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/MadderMortem_THTWTC

Eschewing any attempts at genre-categorisation, MADDER MORTEM’s lineup of Agnete M. Kirkevaag on vocals, BP M. Kirkevaag on guitar & vocals, Anders Langberg on guitars, Tormod L. Moseng on bass and Mads Solås on drums, are able to draw fans from fields as diverse as Prog and Metal, Rock and Extreme, and a few more besides.

Recorded and produced by BP M. Kirkevaag, “Old Eyes, New Heart” is chock full of surprises and finds MADDER MORTEM skillfully following a wide range of directions that range from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between.

Tracklisting on “Old Eyes, New Heart” is as follows:

Coming from the Dark
On Guard
Master Tongue
The Head that Wears the Crown
Cold Hard Rain
Unity
Towers
Here and Now
Things I’ll Never Do
Long Road

Lyrically and musically, “Old Eyes, New Heart” deals with hope, disappointment, and the ambivalence between them. It is music from old hearts and deep roots, with new eyes open to the unlimited possibilities of 12 notes, but always with the desire to write a good, honest song. Which makes it unmistakably MADDER MORTEM.

It will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP formats in White Vinyl (limited to 250 copies) and Blue Vinyl (limited to 250 copies), and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar270-madder-mortem-old-eyes-new-heart/
BandcampL https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

The making of “Old Eyes, New Heart”, has not just been a long journey for the MADDER MORTEM, it has also been a hard one, filled with turmoil, and, for band members Agnete and BP, one that ended in heartbreak following the death of their beloved father Jakob, a man whose support was intrinsic to the launch of the band’s career almost 30 years ago.

An artist himself, Jakob contributed two paintings for “Old Eyes, New Heart”, which, with the help of artist and video producer Costin Chioreanu, a long-term collaborator of the band’s, Jakobs’ work was adapted to form the cover art of the album. Sadly he did not live long enough to hear the finished work which dedicated to his memory.

A video by Patrick Scantlebury for “Towers” the recently released first single from the album can be seen below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

More information about MADDER MORTEM can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mmortem or on the band’s website at http://www.maddermortem.com/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING VESTINDIEN ALBUM

Posted: December 8, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Bergen, Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Hardcore, Norway, Old School Metal, Prog, Psych Rock, Punk, rock n roll, Vestindien

As work on VESTINDIEN’s sophomore full-length album “Verdande” nears completion, Dark Essence Records has managed to give fans of the band an early Christmas present by releasing one of the finished tracks as a single.

Almost three years on from the release of VESTINDIEN’s 2020 debut full-length “Null”, the new single, titled “Forbi Stillheten”, bridges the gap from where the band were then, to where they are today.

“Null” served to introduce fans to VESTINDIEN’s unique approach to a dark, harsh and sinister old-school metal sound, and whilst “Forbi Stillheten” is still very much rooted in metal, this time it also references 60s psych and 70s prog.

Described by the band as “A hymn to the people who see the world as something they belong to, rather than something that belongs to them”, “Forbi Stillheten” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Vestindien_ForbiStillheten

Formed in 2009 and named after the last known brothel (now a museum) in Bergen, VESTINDIEN had a reputation as an up-and-coming hardcore band with a heavy metal twist, and a solid following eager to witness VESTINDIEN’s frenetic live shows. But one year after the release of their 2011 EP “We are the Lords of Hellfire”, the band inexplicably called it a day.

Several years later VESTINDIEN re-emerged with a more introverted, and less hardcore and aggressive, approach to their music. Hints of the band’s hardcore roots were still discernible, but VESTINDIEN’s sound had manifested itself into a dark shroud that conjured up the essence of black metal, punk and old school rock’n’roll. As a result “Null” was filled with songs that were dark, desperate and desolate, but also packed hard punches of energy and groove.

Details of the new album itself are still being kept under wraps, but we can reveal that “Verdande” was written in a basement in Bergen, as well as on a secluded island in the Barents Sea. The latter’s location out in the open sea, has literally, and figuratively, given VESTINDIEN more air and space do develop their music, without sacrificing any of those claustrophobic and chaotic roots from the underground.

VESTINDIEN’s lineup is comprised of Slettsnok on vocals, guitars and synth, Fader War and Henrik Paulsen on guitars, Karl Johan Johannessen on drums, Petter Beyer on synth and Pål Eirik Veseth on bass, and more information about the band can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Vestindien/

KARISMA RECORDS TO RELEASE THREE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED EPS FROM ALTERNATIVE ROCKERS SEIGMEN

Posted: November 20, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Alternative, Alternative Rock, EP, Karisma Records, Norway, Progressive, Rock, Seigmen

Three previously unreleased EPs from Alternative Rockers SEIGMEN are set to appear on Karisma Records on the 8th December. All three, titled “Rosa”, “Gul” and “Beige” respectively, will only be available in 12″ vinyl format, with each title strictly limited to 350 copies.

Founded in Tønsberg in 1989, SEIGMEN is one of Norway’s greatest and most recognized rock bands of all time, and, in 2019, they played a historic 4-day stint at the legendary Hulen in Bergen. Hulen is a venue that was very important to SEIGMEN in the early days, and this special set of shows gave the band the chance to reproduce four of their old 90s Hulen setlists. It was an occasion where a lot of songs were played for the first time in many, many years.

Motivated by this, SEIGMEN decided to record a few of their oldest songs – songs that dated back to the time when the band was known as KLISNE SEIGMENN. This would be the first time that these songs would actually be recorded in a studio, as, until now, they had only ever been played live. The tracks were recorded at Velvet Recording in Spydeberg, Norway. Which is the same studio where SEIGMEN’s legendary album “Total” was recorded back in 1994.

The A-sides of the EPs, will therefore contain the new studio recordings of those early songs, whilst the B-sides are made up of live performances recorded during those memorable 4 days at Hulen.

Kim Ljung, the band’s bass player/songwriter explains how those original songs first came about:

I remember that night in 1989 well. I was invited to Ubåtkaia by Sverre, Alex and Noralf – Klisne Seigmenn. They were only three guys, and needed a guy on bass.

They played the set that was going to be performed at Sjøormen in Tønsberg only a couple of months later. I was knocked to the ground. Blown away by the five songs presented and the power and intensity in the room. The songs are as good today as they were then. That it would take more than 30 years to get them recorded, is plain madness.

With cover design by Sigurd Kristiansen, tracklistings for the EPs are as follows:

Rosa
1. Rosa Boots
2. Monument (live)
3. Negativ (live)
4. Döderlein (live)
5. Korstoget (live)

Gul
1. Sure Tær
2. Monsun (live)
3. Sort Disippel (live)
4. Korsfarer (live)
5. Nemesis (live)

Beige
1. Mye dritt
2. Pappagutt
3. Performance Alpha (live)
4. Universal (live)
5. Neon Sun (live)
6. Performance Bravo (live)

All three EPs are now available to pre-order from:

https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/

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

A video for the title track from SEIGMEN’s 1995 album “Metropolis” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/BT0ZfftLaXA

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SEIGMEN
Seigmen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seigmen/
Seigmen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SeigmenVEVO/videos
Seigmen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seigmen/
Seigmen Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seigmenofficial
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
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MADDER MORTEM REVEAL DETAILS OF UPCOMING 8TH ALBUM PLUS NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

Posted: November 15, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Americana, Avant-Garde, Dark Essence Records, Extreme, Grunge, Madder Mortem, Norway, Post Metal, Prog, Rock

One of Norway’s most interesting bands, MADDER MORTEM, has always defied any attempt at genre-labeling. Fronted by Agnete M. Kirkevaag’s unique, wide-ranging voice, it can be said that they pretty much define the “All Things To All Men” category, drawing fans who profess a liking for genres that range from Prog to Metal, Rock to Extreme.

But make no mistake, this is not a band that wanders aimlessly through the genre minefield. MADDER MORTEM know exactly what they are doing and where they want to go, and have had almost 30 years to hone their very considerable skills. Skills that will be used to good effect on what will be the band’s 8th full-length album, which will be titled “Old Eyes, New Heart” and will be out on Dark Essence Records on January 26th 2024.

And while we wait for the release day, Dark Essence have brought us the first single from the album. Titled “Towers”, the band had this to say about it:

Drawing inspiration from grunge, post-metal and 70s rock, “Towers” is about how people sometimes create defences in their heads to protect themselves. However, those defences can become too strong over time, and what was once built to lock out, becomes something that locks in.

“Towers” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at https://link.darkessencerecords.no/MadderMortem_Towers

An accompanying video by Patrick Scantlebury can be seen below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

It has been five years since MADDER MORTEM released their seventh full-length album “Marrow”, and it has been a long, hard journey, beset by turmoil and heartbreaking loss, which culminated in the death of Jakob, father of the band’s vocalist Agnete and guitarist BP.

Jakob had always been a huge supporter of the band, and his backing was fundamental to the launch of MADDER MORTEM’s career. Being an artist himself, Jakob had worked on two paintings for “Old Eyes, New Heart”, and, thanks to the band’s long-term collaborator artist and video producer Costin Chioreanu, who was able to adapt Jakob’s work and provide additional design, the cover art was completed.

Even though Jakob didn’t live to see the finished album, he would have been immensely proud to see his art on the cover, and the album is dedicated to his memory.

Track listing for “Old Eyes, New Heart” is as follows:

Coming from the Dark
On Guard
Master Tongue
The Head that Wears the Crown
Cold Hard Rain
Unity
Towers
Here and Now
Things I’ll Never Do
Long Road

“Old Eyes, New Heart” was recorded and produced by BP M. Kirkevaag, and shows MADDER MORTEM’s lineup of Agnete M. Kirkevaag on vocals, BP M. Kirkevaag on guitar & vocals, Anders Langberg on guitars, Tormod L. Moseng on bass and Mads Solås on drums embracing a multitude of directions, spanning from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between.

It is an album full of surprises. Lyrically and musically, “Old Eyes, New Heart” deals with hope, disappointment, and the ambivalence between them. It is music from old hearts and deep roots, with new eyes open to the unlimited possibilities of 12 notes, but always with the desire to write a good, honest song. Which makes it unmistakably MADDER MORTEM.

“Old Eyes, New Heart” will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP formats in White Vinyl (limited to 250 copies) and Blue Vinyl (limited to 250 copies), and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar270-madder-mortem-old-eyes-new-heart/
BandcampL https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

More information about MADDER MORTEM can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mmortem or on the band’s website at http://www.maddermortem.com/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS WELCOMES DOOM METALLERS BISMARCK TO ITS ROSTER

Posted: November 14, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Atmospheric, Bismarck, Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Doom, Heavy, Middle Eastern Folk, Mystical, Norway, Post Rock, Psychedelic, Stoner, Stoner Doom, Western Esotericism

Dark Essence Records have announced that Norwegian Doom Metallers BISMARCK will be joining the label, bringing with them a well-deserved reputation for being one of the heaviest bands from Norway, one that has been stirring things up in the Norwegian underground scene ever since the 2018 release of the acclaimed debut album “Urkraft”.

BISMARCK’s trademark sound is an uncompromising mix of sludgy riffs and psychedelic nuances, inspired by a wide array of genres and styles. The end result is an amp melting form of stoner doom, combined with atmospheric post-rock, and with a hint of Middle Eastern folk music and the Norwegian black metal they grew up listening to.

With music that alternates between intense, fuzzed-out heaviness, and clean, atmospheric drones, and with a lyrical content that explores western esotericism, altered states of consciousness and a mystical apocalypse, BISMARCK are now ready for their latest full-length album to be unleashed upon the world.

A follow up to 2020’s critically acclaimed sophomore album “Oneiromancer”, the band’s third studio outing, which we can reveal will be named “Vourukasha” is scheduled for release in early 2024.

Commenting on the fact that they will be joining one of Norway’s best known labels, BISMARCK had this to say:

We’re stoked to sign with Dark Essence Records! They have been, and still are, a crucial part of the heavy music scene both nationally and internationally!

This is an important signing for us, and we’re looking forward to working with professional and dedicated people. Furthermore, they are people whom we consider our friends so we’re excited for the next chapter of our journey!

We would, though, just like to apologise to our fans for the long wait you’ve had for new material. We know it seems like you’ve been hanging on forever, but the album is finally on the way! We don’t want to say too much about it at the moment, but you will not be disappointed. Let’s just say that it has all you would expect from BISMARCK – and then some.

BISMARCK’s lineup is comprised of Torstein Tveiten on Vocals, Leif Herland on Guitar and Backing Vocals, Eirik Goksøyr on Guitar, Tomas Osland on Bass and Tore Lyngstad on Drums.

The band has been confirmed to appear at Oslo’s Desertfest in May 2024.

More information about BISMARCK can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Bismarckdoom

A video of BISMARCK live at the Vill Vill Vest festival at USF Verftet, Bergen, Norway, in 2020 can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/jdTpWV43g0s?si=EyikFAW0lg290qBx

PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

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