Posts Tagged ‘Norway’

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH LEAGUS

Posted: November 7, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Is it Jazz? Records have inked a deal with LEAGUS, which will see the label release the third full-length album from the contemporary and experimental musical duo who hail from Sápmi – Norway,  and whose music alternates between formal composed parts, open structures, and  free improvisation, and ranges from subdued, minimalistic, psalm-like pieces, to more rock-oriented improvised parts.

Consisting of pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad, LEAGUS was originally formed in 2013 by Herborg, as part of her Masters degree in Rhythmic Music at the Tromsø Conservatory, where, coincidentally,  Kristian had also received his Masters degree in the same subject two years earlier.

The name LEAGUS is actually  Sami slang for asking for something, and originates in the area in which Herborg herself was born.  It is her Sami background, and her work with traditional and classical music, along with Kristian´s extended use of guitar and electronics, that forms the basis of LEAGUS’ sound, which has, over time, developed into an exploratory and complex sonic universe. 

Over the years the duo have worked extensively on finding new, and different interactions between the  piano and the guitar, which has lead to the development of a new and progressive kind of musical togetherness. It is a sound that is highly dynamic with musical contrasts playing a big part in their concept.

LEAGUS’ two previous albums, 2016’s  “Lea Aigi”, and 2019’s “Naimaka”, the latter actually having been  released as a quartet with two additional drummers, both received critical acclaim, and served to  establish LEAGUS as an up-and-coming band within the northern Norwegian Experimental scene.

In 2021 LEAGUS were commissioned by the North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble to write a piece for a ten-member orchestra.  The result was “Flora Eallin” which was composed and arranged by Herborg and Kristian.  This led to a tour with the  North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble and  long time collaborator and visual designer Torbjørn Thrane Sandnes.

About their upcoming collaboration with Is it Jazz? Records, LEAGUS had this to say:

We are extremely proud to announce that we are signing with Is it jazz? Records!  We share the same enthusiasm for experimental and progressive music, and also the devotion to the album format. We are so grateful for becoming a part of this team!

On stage the duo are known for their energetic and visual concerts, and more information about LEAGUS can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/leagusleagus or on their website at http://www.leagusband.com

A video of LEAGUS live at the Kulturhuset  in Tromsø  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/rkkuWkzBkNI

Additional Information
LEAGUS
Website: http://www.leagusband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leagusleagus
Instagram: instagram.com/_leagus_
IS IT JAZZ RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Band Contact & Booking: kristian.s.olstad@gmail.com

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES NEW  SINGLE FROM UPCOMING OAK ALBUM

Posted: November 2, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With the release date of “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” getting ever closer,  Karisma Records have today released one more single from the album, giving one more insight into what fans, old and new, can expect from the latest offering from Progressive Pop/Rockers OAK.

Titled “Paperwings”, OAK had this to say about the track:

We set out to write some shorter songs for this album, but Paperwings ended up being our longest one yet. It`s a journey through most aspects of our musical universe, and a dark and forceful ride into the nature of desperation, sorrow and hope.

 “Paperwings” can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_Paperwings

Set for release on the 11th November, the album itself is the perfect example of what results when a group of musicians from diverse backgrounds get together to make music.   With a skill set that ranges from classical piano, to electronica, to prog and hard rock, OAK’s lineup of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars, and Stephan Hvinden on lead, rhythm and slide guitars has been able to produce a sound that weaves its way through both the alternative and the progressive rock scenes.

Easily OAK’s  most dynamic album to date “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” presents  a sharper edge than its two predecessors. With some surprises along the way, the sound is still unmistakably OAK, and offers a subtle insight into what went before, and what is yet to come, from the band.

What makes this album extra special though, is its subject matter – the  frequently misunderstood issue of mental health with a focus on suicide.  But to be very clear OAK have eschewed the temptation to fall into the “sensationalist” way of looking at these matters.  Instead they have treated these controversial subjects with the respect and sympathy they deserve, seeking advice from experienced scholars in order that the message comes  across clearly.

OAK’s painstaking efforts with “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” are even reflected in the cover design, which is by Remi Juliebø / Deformat.  Based on the death mask of an unknown drowning victim from 1880s Paris, known as “L’Inconnue de la Seine”,  Anne-Marie Forker’s photography is a poignant reference to the album’s subject matter, whilst the font itself is partially based on the handwriting from two real suicide notes. 

Recorded  in Ljugekroken and mixed at the Ghostward Studio by David Castillo (KATATONIA, LEPROUS OPETH, etc.) “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” was mastered by Tony Lindgren at the Fascination Street Studio.  

Track listing for “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is as follows.

1. Highest Tower, Deepest Well
2. Quiet Rebellion
3. Dreamless Sleep
4. Sunday 8 AM
5. Demagogue Communion
6. Paperwings
7. Guest of Honour

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition white vinyl formats, and can now be pre-order from the following:

Various Services (regularly updated) https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_The-Quiet-Rebellion-of-Compromise
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar225-oak-the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise/
Bandcamp: https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/oak

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

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

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES SECOND  SINGLE FROM UPCOMING OAK ALBUM

Posted: October 12, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Karisma Records have released a second single from “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise”, the upcoming third full-length album from Progressive Pop/Rockers OAK. 

Titled  “Quiet Rebellion”, the single  can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at
https://link.karismarecords.no/OAK_QuietRebellion

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is easily OAK’s  most dynamic album yet, and showcases the wide range of influences that have gone into developing the band’s sound.  With a sharper edge and some surprising  twists and turns, the album is still unmistakably OAK, with its members making ample use of their diverse backgrounds ranging from classical piano, to electronica, to prog and hard rock, thereby creating music that references both the  alternative scene as well as the progressive rock scene.

Recorded  in Ljugekroken and mixed at the Ghostward Studio by David Castillo (KATATONIA, LEPROUS OPETH, etc.) “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” was mastered by Tony Lindgren at the Fascination Street Studio.  Offering  subtle hints to both past and future songs in the OAK universe,  track listing is as follows:

1. Highest Tower, Deepest Well
2. Quiet Rebellion
3. Dreamless Sleep
4. Sunday 8 AM
5. Demagogue Communion
6. Paperwings
7. Guest of Honour

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is set for release on the 11th November in CD, Digital and Limited Edition white vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from the following:

Various Services (regularly updated) https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_The-Quiet-Rebellion-of-Compromise
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar225-oak-the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise/
Bandcamp: https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/oak

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is an extraordinary album  in respect of its subject matter, because, in it, the band explores the subject of mental health, concentrating particularly on the aspect of suicide. Having chosen to write about two highly important, but very controversial subjects, and cognisant of the fact that music as an art form is very open to interpretation, OAK did not want to treat the matter in the  “sensationalist” way it is so often tackled.  Rather, wanting to make sure  that the message came across clearly and respectfully, they sought advice from experienced scholars.  

Even the cover design by Remi Juliebø / Deformat for “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is a very poignant reference to the concept, in that it is based on the death mask of “L’Inconnue de la Seine”,  an unknown drowning victim from 1880s Paris (photographed by Anne-Marie Forker), whilst the font is partially based on handwriting from two real suicide notes. 

Starting out as a folk-rock duo, OAK’s lineup has expanded to include Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars, and Stephan Hvinden on lead, rhythm and slide guitars.

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

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

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH INDIE-JAZZ BAND SHAKAI

Posted: October 3, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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It might, on occasion, cross your mind that perhaps sister-labels, Karisma Records, and Is it Jazz? Records have an A&R team permanently camped outside prestigious Norwegian music conservatories  since so many of the younger bands signed to the labels have graduated from those hallowed halls.   And indeed,  SHAKAI, the latest signing to Is it Jazz? Records, are no exception to the rule, with members having studied at either Bergen or Trondheim conservatories.

Formed in 2016 with band leader and bassist Eline Rafteseth at the helm, SHAKAI, which translates from the Japanese as “public” or “society”, released a very successful debut album in 2018, and followed it with various festival appearances that solidified the band’s growing reputation. 

Now, with 2022 waning, and 2023 on the horizon, SHAKAI is back with a new lineup to go with its brand new record deal, and is ready to begin work on the band’s  sophomore full-length album.  At the same time, SHAKAI are determined not to let the grass grow beneath their collective feet, so, before entering Bergen’s Duper Studio with producers Jørgen Træen and Iver Sandøy, SHAKAI is set to play a series of dates around Norway.

Of the upcoming collaboration with Is it Jazz? Records SHAKAI had this to say:

We are very excited to announce that we have been signed with Is it jazz? Records. Not only because of their passion and devotion to music – but also because they are a local label that really cares about their artists!

As is usually the case with graduates from music conservatories, SHAKAI’s lineup of bassist,  band leader and original founder Eline Rafteseth (QUORUM TRIO, MADS BERVEN, BOREALIS UNG KOMPONIST), Elisabeth Lid Trøen on saxophones (BERGEN BIG BAND, TRØEN/ARNESEN KVARTETT), Gabriela Garrubo on vocals (METTESON, AMALIE HOLT KLEIVE, GABRIELA GARRUBO), guitarist Simen Walle (ATARI, GUILTY GARDEN, WALLE) and Amund Nordstrøm on drums and modular synth (DATADYR, AVIAN ART, TOMAS LOSSIUS SEPTET), brings with it a plethora of musical disciplines and backgrounds, firmly rooted in Jazz and Improvisation, along with a sound grounding gleaned from working with other bands and projects. 

Inspired by artists that include DEERHOOF, PORTISHEAD, DOFFS POI, SOLVEIG SLETTAHJELL, BROEN and whilst musically they identify as indie-jazz, the quintet doesn’t really pay much attention to genre definitions, nor  to those unwritten rules that try to shackle musicians to a set formula that only serves to  stifle creativity.   SHAKAI would much rather invite the listener in to their strange universe of unexpected elements and unusual instruments, and let the music speak for itself, describing their creative process as being “almost like making pastries without a recipe”.

Whilst appearance-wise, SHAKAI present an image of studied ease, almost, at times, of introspection on stage, there is no  hint of navel gazing as the band skilfully brings its music to life,  drawing the audience in and surprising them with unexpected turns.  Fans will be able to see for themselves what SHAKAI is all about live on the following dates:

OCTOBER

Tue 4: Progkjeller, Hærverk Oslo
Sat 8: Bajazz, Bergen
Fri 14: Jazz på Jølst, Jølster
Sat 15: Vestnes Jazzklubb
Sun 16: Søndagsjazzen på Ila
Wed 19: Uhørt! Victoria Nasjonal Jazzscene – splittkonsert med Joakim Rainer Trio.

More information about SHAKAI can be found on the band’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shakaimusic 

A video of SHAKAI playing live at Landmark in Bergen can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/UmnJRCU5vqE

Additional Information
SHAKAI
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shakaimusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3I4SiHR9WzNlaQo8d0izWj?si=TWH_T7hCTfabG8zYXF9-Lw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakai.band/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuUp5Dqip-xDG91_uOVrL6g
Band Contact:  shakaibooking@gmail.com
IS IT JAZZ RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@isitjazzrecords.no
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/

KARISMA RECORDS REVEALS NEW SINGLE FROM NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD

Posted: September 29, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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In less than a month’s time WIZRD are set to release their debut full-length album  “Seasons” on Karisma Records, and, as a taste of things to come, the label has released a new single from the Norwegian Rockers. 

What is particularly interesting about the chosen track “Fire & Water” is that it is one that marks the very beginning  of WIZRD’s existence and therefore fans have the opportunity to trace the band’s progression in terms of writing and concept, from the ground up.   It is also a track on which WIZRD were lucky enough to attract WHITE DENIM’s JAMES PETRALLI to perform guest vocals.

As WIZRD’s Hallvard Gaardløs explains:

“Fire & Water” was one of the very first songs we wrote together as a group, even before the band was called WIZRD. I think this one and the track “All Is As It Should Be” dates all the way back to 2015! I have been a huge White Denim fan ever since I saw them at Hove Festivalen in 2008, so to have James Petralli sing this song was a big deal for me. I was nervous as hell when I called him on Zoom, but he turned out to be a great guy, and his performance is simply incredible. I hope you enjoy listening to “Fire & Water” as much as we enjoyed making it!

The single, “Fire & Water”, can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Wizrd_FireAndWater

Consisting of Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums, WIZRD’s lineup met when they were all students at the prestigious Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. 

By combining their respective musical interests and the skills they learned at the Conservatory, WIZRD have, with “Seasons”,  created a debut album that mixes progressive and improvisational elements, with Rock and Pop overtones.  In fact, “Seasons”  makes it very clear that the band is happy to test their limits and break a few rules in order to fill the album with  beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves driven by a sense of rock’n’roll that is to die for.

“Seasons” is produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, and  was recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) with vocals recorded at All Ape by Martin Horntveth. It was mixed by Bergen-based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED) at Blanca Records & Studio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

KARISMA RECORDS PLANS TWO NOVEMBER RELEASES FROM PROG ROCKERS JORDSJØ

Posted: September 13, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With a stellar reputation on the Oslo Prog Scene, and their 2021 third full-length album winning them plaudits and introducing them to a much wider audience, Norwegian duo JORDSJØ will be back in November with two new releases courtesy of Karisma Records.

Whilst not exactly new material, with one having had only a very limited release, and the other having undergone a substantial “refresh” and expansion, ”Nattfiolen Suite” and ”Jord Sessions” will come as a welcome, and worthy, addition to the JORDSJØ ‘s catalogue. 

Originally written and recorded for JORDSJØ’s second full-length album “Nattfiolen”,  the  ”Nattfiolen Suite” was a lengthy, virtually stand-alone piece, that proved to be much too long to fit on the album itself, and, as a consequence, was solely released digitally on Bandcamp.  However, such was its popularity that there  has been a growing demand for a physical release of ”Nattfiolen Suite”.  And Karisma Records is happy to oblige with the release of a 10″ gold vinyl edition, which will be strictly limited to 300 copies.

Fans of JORDSJØ who don’t have the means to play vinyl will not need to feel disappointed though, because ”Nattfiolen Suite” will be available as a bonus track on the CD version of the ”Jord Sessions” release. 

With artwork by Sindre Foss Skancke, tracklisting on ”Nattfiolen Suite” is as follows:

1. Nattfiolen Suite (part 1)
2. Nattfiolen Suite (part 2)

 “Jord” was considered by the band to be their first “proper” album, because, up until its release, JORDSJØ had only produced homemade tapes, which they sold to friends and a few die-hard collectors.  Its release is what really drew fans attention to the band, not only within Norway itself, but also world-wide.  However, JORDSJØ had never been happy with the mix, as the band explains

When “Jord “came out in early 2017, it was a different time for us. This was to date our fourth release and what would be our first proper album. Up until that point, we only sold our 50 homemade tapes to friends and a few die-hard collectors, but “Jord” got us a bigger audience, also outside Norway. The mixing was done badly and also with the intent of only a tape release, so we thought it deserved a refreshed look and the inclusion of  the other songs that had been recorded on the same weekend in the summer of 2016. Hence, the “Jord Sessions”.

”Jord Sessions”  has been re-mixed from scratch and, aside from a new organ track on “Abstraksjoner..” and some bells and percussion on “Valinors Lamper”, all other tracks on ”Jord Sessions”  remain true to the originals.  Its  underlying theme of alienation, roots and dreams, gives “Jord Sessions”  an organic and dynamic sound reminiscent of ’70s prog.  With traces of electronic music and folk, and the use of flute, guitars and a vast array of vintage synths “Jord Sessions”  has a warm,  vintage sound that still manages to sound fresh and interesting.

”Jord Sessions”  will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and with artwork by Sindre Foss Skancke,  tracklisting is as follows:

01. Over Vidda
02. Abstraksjoner fra et Dunkelt Kammer
03. Jord I
04. I Momos Trädgård
05. La meg forsvinne
06. Jord II
07. Se Valinors Lamper
08. Nattfiolen Suite (CD only)

Both ”Nattfiolen Suite” and ”Jord Sessions” will be available on Karisma Records on the 25th November, and are now available to pre-order from the following:

Various services updated regularly: https://link.karismarecords.no/Jordsjo_Jord-Sessions  
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar241-kar245-jordsjo/
Bandcamp – https://jordsjo.bandcamp.com/music
US webshop – https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

By melding Progressive rock with interesting melodies, and giving the whole a Folk-inspired twist JORDSJØ’s lineup of multi instrumentalist Håkon Oftung (TUSMØRKE, BLACK MAGIC) and drummer Kristian Frøland pay reverence to the traditions of the best of last centuries’ Nordic Prog Rock whilst giving it their own individual take. 

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

A video of JORDSJØ  live in concert at Salt in Oslo in 2021 can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/17yyNaA14vo

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jordsjoe/
Bandcamp: https://jordsjo.bandcamp.com
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 REVEALS NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING BLODHEMN ALBUM

Posted: September 9, 2022 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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On the 7th October, Dark Essence Records will release the album “Sverger Hemn” from BLODHEMN, the project from multi-instrumentalist Invisus that sees the Norwegian musician  apply his trademark aggressive sound to what will be BLODHEMN’s fourth full-length album. Only this time he has expanded that sound to produce an album that mixes Black Metal and Thrash with a well-judged serving of Rock’n’Roll.

And, whilst waiting for “Sverger Hemn” to hit the streets, fans can hear a second track from the album, courtesy of Dark Essence Records, who have today released the single “Velg Din Gift”, which can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Blodhemn_Velg_Din_Gift

Or alternatively on YouTube below and at https://youtu.be/L_9AvbGPRnw

About the track, Invisus had this to say:

“Velg Din Gift” is loosely based on the quote “find what you love and let it kill you”, or, pick your favourite poison so to speak. A rock n’ roll fuelled track about self-destruction and hell raising!” 

On “Sverger Hemn” Invisus draws  his inspiration from the area of Norway he knows best – Holmengraa on the island of Fedje.  Indeed, both visually and musically the material on the album is a natural progression from BLODHEMN’s previous releases, and explores aspects of being taken by the sea and of drowning. 

Whilst, with his use of different kinds of vocals and keyboards in order to explore various elements,  Invisus has, without a doubt, left his comfort zone on a couple of the tracks on “Sverger Hemn”, he has ensured that BLODHEMN still remains true to the essence of Black Metal on an album that has been a long-time in the making.

Once again Invisus plays every single instrument and handles the vocals on “Sverger Hemn”, with the drums being recorded in 2020 at the Conclave & Earshot Studio, and the rest of the instruments and vocals recorded at the Over Evne Studio.  BORKNAGAR’s Øystein G. Brun handled the mixing and mastering which was done at  the  Crosound Studio.

With artwork by Misantropic Art, tracklisting for ” Sverger Hemn” is as follows:

  1. Fraa Djupet…
  2. Vil Livet av Deg
  3. Bomb Bergen
  4. Farvel Feioey
  5. Opp or Lemmen
  6. Velg Din Gift
  7. Tid

“Sverger Hemn” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar242-blodhemn-sverger-hemn/
North American Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Bandcamp:  https://blodhemn.bandcamp.com/album/sverger-hemn

The next schedule live appearances for BLODHEMN are as follows:

Sat 10 Sept: Stereo, Bergen, Norway
Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1436940096727840

Fri 30 Sept: Rock In, Oslo, Norway
Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1155800054965766

Fri 21 Oct: Black & Heavy Nights Festival, Ovenpaa, Kopervik, Norway
Details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/5219578861489844
(also appearing will be Dark Essence Records label-mates ALFAHANNE)

More  information about BLODHEMN can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Blodhemnnorway or on the band’s website at https://blodhemn.no/

Additional Information
Website: https://blodhemn.no/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blodhemnnorway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blodhemn_official/ 
Band Contact and Booking: blodhemnband@hotmail.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/

MONSTEREO RELEASES ’90s VIBES PREVIOUSLY UN-RELEASED B-SIDE FROM LATEST ALBUM

Posted: September 7, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With their third-full length album “In the Hollow of a Wave” having hit the streets on Karisma Records almost year ago, Norwegian rockers MONSTEREO have decided that, on the 7th September, they will celebrate with a new, never -before released digi single. 

As the band explains:

We decided to mark the occasion of the anniversary of the release of “In the Hollow of a Wave”  with a B-side taken from the original recordings. The tune is called “The Mirror Black” and it has a late summer-ish ’90s vibe, layered with electric guitars and tons of acoustic guitars, some mellow piano and tasteful mellotron. And of course, the bendy solo guitar that can be heard running through a Leslie speaker.

Written by our guitarist and vocalist Ola Utaaker Segadal , it was a hard tune to have to omit from the album and we  discussed it for weeks, but eventually we had to accept that we needed to remove two tracks in order to fit the record on one vinyl, so there you go!

The initial idea was to include the song on  our  fourth album, which is scheduled to be recorded some time during 2023, but, as it transpired, Ola and Øyvind had written so many new songs that it would have been hard to fit these two in. But we really like the track, so it is nice to release “The Mirror Black” in this way instead of just hiding it away.

“The Mirror Black”  is produced, mixed and mastered by Iver Sandøy, who also plays mellotron and percussions on the track, and was recorded at the Duper Studio in January 2020. With additional recordings in the  Solslottet studio and in Ola’s house later the same year, and with artwork by Robert Høyem, “The Mirror Black” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/Monstereo_The_Mirror_Black

To further mark the occasion MONSTEREO are scheduled to play the following two shows:

Fri 9 Sept at Hulen in Bergen
Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/3320304674869731

Sat 10 Sept at Revolver in Oslo
Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/413196497294559

Supporting  MONSTEREO in Bergen will be GREEN SKY ACCIDENT, whilst joining them at the Oslo show will be fellow Karisma Records artists KOSMODOME.

MONSTEREO’s lineup includes Ola Utaaker Segadal on lead vocals and electric guitars, Øyvind Aase Fluge on electric guitars, Jørgen Stangeland Bach on Bass guitar, and Jon Bolstad on Drums and more details about the band can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/monstereobergen, or on their website at http://www.monstereo.no/ 

A  video for the track “A Sudden Rush”, from MONSTEREO’s 2021 album “In the Hollow of a Wave” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/GXaW8vat4p8

Additional Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monstereobergen  
Website: http://www.monstereo.no/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MONSTEREOBERGEN/ 
Band Contact:  monstereo.bergen@gmail.com
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 SECOND SINGLE FROM PSYCHEDELIC PROG FOLK ROCKERS TUSMØRKE’S UPCOMING ALBUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracklisting as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

NORWEGIAN BLACK METALLERS BLODHEMN REVEAL ALBUM DETAILS AND NEW SINGLE

Posted: August 12, 2022 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Whilst Norway  is, without a doubt, the spiritual home of Black Metal bands, when applying the term “bands” it is very easy to forget that some of those “bands” quite often involve only one musician, and that these musicians are invariably multi-instrumentalists, who rely solely on themselves to create the concept. and write and perform the material in the studio.

One such artist is Invisus, who, since forming BLODHEMN in 2004, and over three full-length albums, has perfected his approach to Black Metal,  with a concept that utilises to perfection that distinctive and aggressive BLODHEMN sound, so integral to the genre.  

However, on “Sverger Hemn”, BLODHEMN’s upcoming fourth album, Invisus takes the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone.  That’s not to say that he strays far from his trademark icy, aggressive sound, far from it, because he remains true to the heart of his music, whilst, at the same time, using different kinds of vocals and keyboards in order to experiment and explore various elements on a couple of the tracks.   The result is an album that is an exhilarating mix of Black Metal and Thrash, seasoned with Rock’n’Roll.

With “Sverger Hemn” set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 7th October, the label has released a single from the album in order to whet the appetite of fans who have been waiting a long time for BLODHEMN’s latest release. 

The track, “Fraa Djupet…”, which Invisus explains “takes you into the distressed scenario of fighting the storms and waves to stay afloat. From the depths the undead reap…“, can be streamed or downloaded from various services at https://link.darkessencerecords.no/FraaDjupet

As well as on YouTube below and at https://youtu.be/oJ_-0uPMl6g

“Sverger Hemn” is an album that took a long time to write and produce, and observant fans of BLODHEMN’s music will notice that musical and visual threads from previous releases progress naturally into the new material.  Indeed, much of Invisus’ vision draws inspiration from, and is centred on, the area around Holmengraa on the island of Fedje in Norway,  and, not unnaturally, explores aspects of drowning and  being taken by the sea.

Once again Invisus plays every single instrument and handles the vocals on “Sverger Hemn”, with the drums being recorded in 2020 at the Conclave & Earshot Studio, and the rest of the instruments and vocals recorded at the Over Evne Studio.  BORKNAGAR’s Øystein G. Brun handled the mixing and mastering which was done at  the  Crosound Studio.

With artwork by Misantropic Art, tracklisting for ” Sverger Hemn” is as follows:

  1. Fraa Djupet…
  2. Vil Livet av Deg
  3. Bomb Bergen
  4. Farvel Feioey
  5. Opp or Lemmen
  6. Velg Din Gift
  7. Tid

“Sverger Hemn” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar242-blodhemn-sverger-hemn/
North American Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Bandcamp:  https://blodhemn.bandcamp.com/album/sverger-hemn

More  information about BLODHEMN can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Blodhemnnorway or on the band’s website at https://blodhemn.no/

Additional Information
Website: https://blodhemn.no/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blodhemnnorway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blodhemn_official/ 
Band Contact and Booking: blodhemnband@hotmail.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/

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