Posts Tagged ‘Norwegian’

DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM FROM CONTEMPORARY EXPERIMENTAL DUO LEAGUS REVEALED ALONG WITH  DEBUT TRACK AND VIDEO

Posted: February 23, 2023 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Formed in 2013 by pianist Herborg Rundberg as part of her Masters degree in Rhythmic Music at the Tromsø Conservatory, LEAGUS became the contemporary and experimental  music duo that it is today when Herborg was joined by guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad, who coincidentally also  received his Masters degree in the same subject two years earlier.

Following the release of two albums, LEAGUS were commissioned by the NORTH NORWEGIAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE in 2021 to write a piece for a ten-member orchestra, which resulted in Herborg and Kristian composing and arranging the piece “Flora Eallin”, which will now be released in full by Is it Jazz? Records. 

By way of introduction, the label has released the track “Hyperion”  from the album, and you can stream it, or download it from a variety of services at

https://link.isitjazzrecords.no/Leagus_Hyperion

A video of LEAGUS performing the track “Hyperion” directed by Norwegian photographer and artist Martin Losvik, and featuring the NORTH NORWEGIAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE, can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/6lGg70cCYlA

Losvik  is well known for his distinctive style that can contain elements of humour, surrealism and darkness. The  video is the result of Martin being given free hands to do his visual interpretation of this musical project. 

As regards the track itself, LEAGUS had this to say:

This song is the final track of the one hour long commissioned piece “Flora Eallin”, which we wrote for Nordnorsk Jazz Ensemble. The piece is an ode to plant life. The song “Hyperion” is named after the world’s tallest living tree and therefore marks the symbolic ending of the piece.  

“Flora Eallin” features the  NORTH NORWEGIAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE and  will be released on the 28 April in CD, Digital and Double LP formats. With cover art and design by Martin Losvik, track listing is as follows:

1. Kime
2. Flor
3. Vann
4. Tendril
5. Nihkui
6. Vind
7. Pripyat
8. Geo
9. Mykorrhyza
10. Eallin
11. Sol
12. Hyperion

“Flora Eallin” is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://leagus.bandcamp.com/album/flora-eallin
Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/shop/

Over the years the duo have  worked extensively on finding new, and different,  interactions between the  piano and the guitar, leading them to develop for LEAGUS a new and progressive kind of musical togetherness.  LEAGUS’  sound  is thus highly dynamic with musical contrasts playing a big part in their concept,  and alternates between formal composed parts, open structures and free improvisation that at times feel like subdued, minimalistic psalm-like pieces, whilst at other times makes use of more rock-oriented improvised parts,

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. 

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

Additional Information
LEAGUS
Website: http://www.leagusband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leagusleagus
Instagram: instagram.com/_leagus_
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@leagus3462
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

AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS SIGNS WITH IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS

Posted: June 23, 2022 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Is it Jazz? Records seems to be getting its pick from the talented alumni of Norway’s prestigious Grieg Academy, as signalled by the label’s latest signing, AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS,  the new project from Jazz saxophonist  Aksel Røed.

Putting together an octet, which is what AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS is, in order to bring his musical vision to fruition, is no mean feat, but that is what Røed has successfully achieved.  Having attracted some of the finest young Norwegian musicians, as well as those with a proven track record,  to the ranks of AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS, the band will now become the focus of Røed’s attention.  As he explains:

OTHER ASPECTS started out in 2019 as an ambitious project for me to write some music for a school project at the Grieg Academy.  But, having put this octet together, I have not been able to put it aside and it is now my main focus in music.

The ensemble is my biggest to date with all original music composed for an eight piece band.  Other Aspects’ debut album` “Do you dream in colours?”  was recorded at fashionable Duper Studios in May 2020 in Bergen, and the band, consisting of some of my best friends and finest young musicians in Norway, perfectly executed my visions as composer and leader. 

On trumpet and flugelhorn we have my dear brother, the amazing Lyder Øvreås Røed, and on second trumpet, my good friend and colleague for many years, Andreas Hesselberg Hatzikiriakidis.  The saxophone section consists of Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvoll on soprano and tenor, known from some of my favorite bands such as BEAR BROTHER and MASTER OOGWAY. On baritone sax and bass clarinet is  Michael Barnes, my long time mentor, friend and the musical leader of BERGEN BIGBAND. He is an Aussie who writes the best scores for large ensembles in Bergen.  As for myself, I try to lead the band from the tenor stand. Sigurd Steinkopf keeps the drums going and Sverre Sæbø holds the bas,  and Isach Skeidsvoll gives new meaning to the phrase “playing the piano”.

OTHER ASPECTS allows me to constantly drift into different directions and usually with short notice. The music is composed but not set, meaning its perfectly acceptable,  and even encouraged to think and play outside the box. Most of the magic within the band lies in the free improvisation.  

In terms of inspiration I find it in the old saxophone recordings of Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, but also in the composing mind of Django Bates and Charlie Hadens Liberation Orchestra I.e. Despite all of the references, I still think (and hope) that the music undoubtedly sounds like “Aksel Røed”

As to his decision to sign with Is it Jazz? Records, it seems that both label and artist are of the same mind when it comes to their home town of Bergen:

I am very pleased to have signed with Is It Jazz? and their team. I strive to keep Bergen as active and attractive as I can musically, and I have no doubt in my mind that such a professional and local label has my back in doing so.

More information about AKSEL RØED’S OTHER ASPECTS can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082226721671
Band Contact:  akseltr@hotmail.com
Is it Jazz? Records
Website:  https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IsItJazzRecords/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isitjazzrecords/
Contact:  post@isitjazzrecords.no

THRASH VETERANS NOCTURNAL BREED INK DEAL WITH DARK ESSENCE RECORDS

Posted: March 29, 2022 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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After a long search to find a label to suit their exacting requirements, Norwegian Thrashers NOCTURNAL BREED have described their upcoming collaboration with Dark Essence Records as “Monumental and Trench-Altering”, as the band explains:

It has been an ever-occurring dream for the band to gather the forces at home in Norway. And this March 18th saw this come to pass, as hoof-marks were carved in ink, and a final deal with Dark Essence Records was signed and agreed upon.

The last two decades have been spent looking for a label and a ‘safe haven’, one that allows bands to  focus on ‘the music’ and the integrity of the product. “Quality, Dedication and Knowhow” in perfect unison is what we set out to find. And this is what we get with Dark Essence Records.  It may sound like a cliché but honestly it feels like coming home.

It is an honour to serve side by side on the battlefield, with such epic bands and old friends, such as can be found on Dark Essence’s  roster. As well as having the opportunity to work with the genuinely professional, to the bone, and utterly dedicated people as the ones at Dark Essence. It has resulted in a long-awaited refuelling and re-fusing of the bands inner workings.

And so, we raise the iron-flag here in the bunker.  The knives are out and sharpened.  A new album is on the way and new nuclear fuel is pumping through our  veins…

 This will be a good one Thrashiacs!

S.A. Destroyer

Bunker Norvegicus

NOCTURNAL BREED was formed in Oslo in 1996 by S.A. Destroyer (aka Svartalv – ex. GEHENNA, SATYRICON) both as an homage to the old waves of Thrash, Speed and Heavy Metal of the 80’s and as a reaction against the growing commercialisation of the Black Metal scene that plagued the mid 90’s with its ever increasing ‘polished’ sound, along with the softening of attitudes in Metal in general.

The decades that followed saw NOCTURNAL BREED undergo the inevitable lineup changes and hiatuses that bands are subjected to during their careers, all the while producing a plethora of releases, which, aside from the obvious early demos and studio albums, include EP’s, Boxed Sets, and Compilations, culminating in the 2021 release of the “Face Your Aggressor” double album which marked the band’s 25th Anniversary.

Which brings us to the present day and finds NOCTURNAL BREED in their private “Bunker Studios” working on the final stages of their seventh full-length album, set to be released on Dark Essence Records later this year.

More information about the band can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Thrashiac777NocturnalBreed

NOCTURNAL BREED’s 15th Year Anniversary video for the track “Resistance is Futile” can be seen at https://youtu.be/DRzu4haJyeI

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thrashiac777NocturnalBreed
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/777VIRUSLORD777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocturnal_breed_official/
Email: cmachine777@gmail.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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSYCHEDELIC ROCKERS HIMMELLEGEME REVEAL NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: August 10, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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As the time ticks down to the October 1 release of HIMMELLEGEME’s sophomore full-length “Variola Vera”, Karisma Records have released another single and accompanying video from the album to whet the appetite of the band’s growing fan-base.

The track chosen glories in the title of “Blowing Raspberries” about which the band have this to say:

“Blowing Raspberries”  was also one of the earlier tracks written for this release. Aleksander brought the band a short demo, sort of as a joke. It wasn’t like anything he’d written before, but we quickly realized it had the potential to be a banger. Lyrically the subject is written as a space cop drama set in the future. Both lyrically and musically there are some hints pointing to a certain decade – or time period – so, put your down on and shake your bones loose!

“Blowing Raspberries” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/Himmellegeme_BlowingRaspberries

Whilst the video can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/A1f6ihTE2II

Recorded from late spring through to the  late fall of 2020 at Bergen’s Broen Studio, “Variola Vera” is the follow-up to HIMMELLEGEME’s critically acclaimed debut “Myth of Earth”, an album that brought the band to the attention of prog audiences world-wide.

Produced by Anders Bjelland (ELECTRIC EYE / HYPERTEXT) who also mixed and mastered the album, “Variola Vera” is, according to the band, “not quite a concept album” as they recently explained:

The overall themes of the album are the impact we humans have on planet earth, and the destruction we leave in our wake wherever we go. Not only in regards to the planet itself, but also to the people inhabiting it. It’s not a concept album per se – the lyrics are fictional with roots in reality, but based on newer and older events seen from different viewpoints.  

Influenced by both Blues and Atmospheric Prog Rock, HIMMELLEGEME’s lineup of  Aleksander Vormestrand (vocals, guitar), Hein Alexander Olson (lead guitar, slide, drums), Lauritz Isaksen (keys), Erik Alfredsen (bass, backing vocals, misc. instruments), Leiv Martin Green (drums, backing vocals), use heavy-hitting riffs, chilling melodies and melancholic lyrics, to create a dark, otherworldly, and timeless sound.

With cover art by Samantha Muljat, the track list for “Variola Vera” is as follows:

  1. Shaping Mirrors Like Smoke
  2. Heart Listening
  3. Blowing Raspberries
  4. Brother
  5. Let the Mother Burn
  6. Caligula
  7. Agafia
  8. Variola Vera

Set for release in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP Formats, “Variola Vera” is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://himmellegeme.bandcamp.com/album/variola-vera

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/product/artist/himmellegeme/

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

The official video by Rasmus Even Hol Skjegstad and Leander Håvik for the track “Natteravn” from HIMMELLEGEME’s album “Myth of Earth” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/JVyIGFFbPQs

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/himmellegemeband/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/himmellegemeband/
Band contact: himmellegeme.contact@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: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

ALBUM DETAILS, VIDEO AND SINGLE REVEALED FROM UPCOMING MONSTEREO ALBUM

Posted: June 22, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With the 17th September set for the release of MONSTEREO’s latest studio outing, Karisma Records have revealed details of “In the Hollow of a Wave”, the third full-length album the Bergen Rockers.

Known for over a decade as a band that serves up energetic rock songs, MONSTEREO have come up with an album that is by far their heaviest to date, with a sound that is richer and broader than anything they have ever produced.  With more keyboards, synths, and a variety of guitars, “In the Hollow of a Wave” is,  according to the band, an album of filled with “teeth-grinding riffs, big choruses and rock-solid grooves”.

And, as of today,  fans get their first taste of “In the Hollow of a Wave”, with the release of “A Sudden Rush” the first single from the album, which, according to MONSTEREO, is:

An all out, in-your-face rock and roll banger. Perfect for a late summer night drenched in beer and drunken conversations, or a 50/50 strawberry daquiri at a music festival. This is a classic 1970s rock tune, with blazing guitars and a speaker-ripping groove. A homage to legends such as AC/DC and Grand Funk Railroad, topped with a smidge of inspiration from local produce in Bergen’s Electric Eye and The Megaphonic Thrift

“A Sudden Rush” is available to download or stream from a variety of services at https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/Monstereo_ASuddenRush

Whilst a video for “A Sudden Rush” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/GXaW8vat4p8

MONSTEREO’s  lineup consistis of 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. Together  they have created an album whose tracks represent the best of two worlds and  is filled with MONSTEREO’s trademark catchy melodies, heavy riffs and a big sound, which combine  with exploratory instrumental sections to  build towards a euphoric climax. 

With artwork by Robert Høyem, track listing for “In the Hollow of a Wave” is as follows:

  1. Third Eye Seeing
  2. A Sudden Rush
  3. Wings I: Everlasting Darkness
  4. Jigsaw
  5. Witness
  6. Wings II: Beyond Horizons
  7. Wings III: Icarus
  8. Golden

“In the Hollow of a Wave” will be available in CD, Vinyl and Digital formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

Bandcamp: https://monstereo.bandcamp.com
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/product/preorder
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/ (US)

More  information about MONSTEREO can be found on the band’s Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/monstereobergen, or on their website at http://www.monstereo.no/ 

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

AVANTGARDE METALLERS IF NOTHING IS DEBUT TRACK FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: June 16, 2021 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Having recently added Avantgarde Metallers IF NOTHING is to its roster, Dark Essence Records have wasted no time in planning the release of the band’s 2015 self-titled debut album, which originally saw the light of day only through a limited selection of digital platforms, and never received the kind of exposure that the brainchild of DØDHEIMSGARD bassist Lars Emil Måløy richly deserved.

The album itself has been completely  re-mixed and re-mastered, and ranges from thrash, speed and death to black metal, and which, as a consequence, is the embodiment of what lies at the heart of extreme and technical metal music.  And today, Dark Essence Records have given us a taste of what to expect with the release of the track “Anti Horde”, about which IF NOTHING IS have this to say:

A decade after it was written the “Anti Horde” rises to new heights with an updated mix and new mastering. “Anti Horde” is about disowning the alpha stereotypes, humiliating leader figures and taking your own path. It is an action we condone, no matter what your path might be (as long as it is leftwards) . To this day this track still gives us goose bumps, so give it a spin. You might even like it!

The track “Anti Horde” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at https://darkessencerecords.fanlink.to/INI_AntiHorde

“If Nothing Is” is an album that melds sharp technical skills and creative songwriting with a keen eye for detail and a streak of madness. It is intersected with progressive, experimental passages and rich jazzy parts, with each song a journey in itself.

With DØDHEIMSGARD’s Vicotnik weaving his magic on synths, beats and samples, and with brand new original artwork by Ulf Simon Lindgren “If Nothing Is”  will hit the streets in for the first time ever in CD and Vinyl (as a transparent clear double LP with gatefold cover) as well as digitally on the 10th September. Track listing as follows:

1. 101
2. Sovereign
3. Juvenihil
4. Anti Horde
5. Dominant Outlaw Nation
6. Postapo Calypso
7. Darkspace Navigator
8. Intermezzanine
9. Apsylum Absolute
10. If Nothing Is

Dark Essence Webshop:  https://darkessencerecords.no/
If Nothing is bandcamp:  https://ini-official.bandcamp.com/album/if-nothing-is-2
US webshop:  https://darkessence.aisamerch.com/

Formed in Trondheim, Norway, in 2008, IF NOTHING IS started life as the extreme metal band REVOCATION, and, along with the name change, cane a new musical direction for the lineup that today comprises Boeddelen on vocals and lyrics, Håkon Grytvik and Mats Stenberg on guitars,  Lars Emil Måløy on  bass, FX, backing vocals, lyrics, main composer and Vegard Myrdal Berg on drums, backing vocals and lyrics.

More information about IF NOTHING IS can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/INI101

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/INI101
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iniofficial/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPtsQQ1D_TMTfbW7odC_S5g
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6JPOsXyyLZv5RS6dPGP3vt
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ini-official
Band Contact: ini101mail@gmail.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:  http://darkessence.aisamerch.com/
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

KARISMA RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH PROGGERS KOSMODOME

Posted: April 26, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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KOSMODOME, another rising star in the firmament of Norway’s flourishing Prog Music scene, has found its way into Karisma Records capacious arms, with the label preparing to release the band’s debut full-length album later this year.

The brainchild of the two Sandvik brothers,  Sturle on guitars and vocals, and Severin on drums, KOSMODOME’s music is riff-based Rock with Stoner elements all of which are placed within a progressive universe to great effect.  Together, the duo have an explosive drive, where the melodic can often be found hand in hand with the hard and the heavy.  

Having self- released an EP via streaming in 2019, KOSMODOME add a bassist and guitarist to their live performances, appearing on stage as a four-piece, and they are, understandably, excited to be working with Karisma Records for their first full-length release, as the band explains:

We feel very humble and honoured to have signed with Karisma Records alongside all their great and inspiring bands. This already feels like the start of a fun and lasting relationship, and we look forward to showing people what Kosmodome is all about!

Details of KOSMODOME’s upcoming album will be released in due course, but in the meantime, fans can get a taste of the band by listening to them on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UIRcnv34nNU710MmhlqDK?si=XT122EAGRYe2vACpP6hhzQ

Or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOKQ_uFZWEm–P15YzHSFQ

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kosmodome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosmodome/
Band Contact:  elrutss@gmail.com
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOKQ_uFZWEm–P15YzHSFQ
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karismarecords/
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS DOBBELTGJENGER REVEAL VIDEO AND NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: February 10, 2021 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Known for their ability to stretch their sound in a variety of different directions, Norwegian Rockers DOBBELTGJENGER recently announced that their latest album “SMOOTH FAILING” was set for release on Karisma Records on the 9th April.  Welcome news indeed for fans who had been waiting three years for new material from a band whose avowed intention is to bring back not just the Groove, but also the Fun, in Rock Music.

And today, with the release of single “BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS”,  Karisma Records offers us another glimpse into what to expect from DOBBELTGJENGER’s third full-length album.  The image created in the mind’s eye by the title of the song itself is very apt for the subject matter,  as the band explains:

Building skyscrapers together with other people and within ourselves takes courage. Meeting and getting close to people is very scary, but incredible and beautiful. The height of the potential fall of a skyscraper and the majestic and impressive nature of them, makes them a perfect metaphor for new and intense relationships.

“BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS”, can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/dobbeltgjenger_buildingskyscrapers

A video for the single can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/4eYs4PXlQ3U

“BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS” is a totally different animal from the previously released single “JOHANNA”, and stands as a clear testament to the different sound that DOBBELTGJENGER’s lineup of Vegard Wikne (OCEAN OF LOTION) vocals, guitars, bass and synths;  Sondre Veland (MAJOR PARKINSON & OSSICLES) drums, percussion, grunts and guitar solo on Johanna; Knut-Martin Langeland Rasmussen on guitars;, Bastian Veland on guitar, synth, percussion etc., and Jone Kuven on bass, with Jonas Flemsæter Hamre (session saxophone), are able to bring to the band’s music.

With “SMOOTH FAILING” DOBBELTGJENGER have come up with an album that is full of catchy songs and funky rhythms, or, as the band says:

An explosive, dark and neon saturated party album, where naive, riff based “the Strokes-esque” themes are met with vigorous grooves and cheeky falsettos. The album is about the gritty “BOOM!”s, manic “FUN!”s, gut wrenching “OH FUCK!”s and terrifying “I LOVE Y…”s of life.

Of course, “SMOOTH FAILING” is not just about fun, manic or otherwise, and comes with  a darker side, as the band recently revealed:

This album has been brewing on different computers for over three years. The record was written in a quite tumultuous, manic and self-destructive period of primus motor Vegard Wiknes’  life. SMOOTH FAILING revolves around the delight and self-deception of doing all the wrong things in your life. It´s a dark party album, made for bad decisions!

With artwork by Klende, track listing for “SMOOTH FAILING” is as follows:

  1. ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM
  2. COME ON OVER
  3. JOHANNA
  4. DIVE IN
  5. BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
  6. LIVING IN OVERDRIVE
  7. ELECTRICAL SEASONS
  8. LA DEE DA
  9. DO THE WRONG THINGS

“SMOOTH FAILING”  will be available in Digital, CD, and Vinyl formats and can now be pre-ordered from the following:

Webshop:  karismarecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://dobbeltgjenger.bandcamp.com

DOBBELTGJENGER’s previous single “JOHANNA”, can be streamed or downloaded from the following  https://karismarecords.fanlink.to/DOBBELTGJENGER_JOHANNA

Whilst the video can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/bieplRiafAA

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dobbeltgjengerofficial/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGofEc5xSOmxVDmiuSaulg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DOBBELTGJENGEROFFICIAL/
Snapchat: DOBBELTGJENGEROFFICIAL
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/2fj2XxUCPutZwFUM4ZB9rk
 Band contact: dobbeltgjengerband@gmail.com
Booking: jorgen@agenturet.no
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/

SUPERLYNX REVEAL DETAILS, VIDEO AND NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: February 4, 2021 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Photo by Carl Eek Torgersen

Dark Essence Records have announced that the 16th April has been set for the release of “Electric Temple”, the third full-length album from SUPERLYNX, the Norwegian trio known for its distinctive, genre-defying sound that combines  doom, psychedelic and meditative atmospheres with heaviness and droning rock.

As a taste of things to come, the label has today released both a single, and a video, of the title track. The single is available to download or stream on a number of services at:

https://darkessencerecords.fanlink.to/Superlynx_Electric-Temple

Whilst the video, by Joan Pope / Temple ov Saturn, can be seen below and at  https://youtu.be/zphXNF_dUyU

For SUPERLYNX’s lineup of Pia Isaksen on  Bass and Vocals,  Daniel Bakken on  Guitars and Ole Teigen on Drums, piano, keys and vocals, “Electric Temple” is both a continuation on from  their previous album “New Moon” and a further development of moods not previously explored by the band.  Poignantly, “Electric Temple” also bears a deeply felt  mark left by the tragic death of a close family member. 

According to the band, the title of the album is a reference to Jimi Hendrix´ way of looking at music. As they explain:

Our music and lyrics are as always very personal to us and refer to what we go through.  Life, music, nature and inspiration is a general focus.  We always want to push ourselves and explore deeper, wider and further and we feel this album shows our effort in that respect.

As Hendrix said “We call our music ‘electric church music’. Because it’s like a religion to us.” And that is much like how we feel about ours. In music we find so much of what people seek in temples, religions or other spiritual forms – strength to endure trials, peace of mind, ecstasy, safety, hope, community, joy, transcendence etc. In the process of writing our third album this truth only become clearer to us. Music is our temple.

As to the actual technical aspects of the album SUPERLYNX  went to describe how fortunate they were that producer Marc Urselli got in touch with the band wanting to work on the album with them:

He happens to be a multiple Grammy Award win­ning producer who has done sound for Nick Cave, Mike Patton, Lou Reed, Keith Rich­ards, The Black Crowes and countless more.  He also has a project with Lee Ranaldo & Jim Jarmusch, has played in a trio with Stephen O´Malley and has a project with people like Steve von Till, Matt Pike, Lori S, Dave Chandler and more.

But these credits were not what was important to us though.  It was rather the fact that his sound was so in line with what we ourselves hoped to get out of this. Marc ended up mixing the album and we are really happy about how he has enhanced our sound.

The same goes for Fridtjof Lindeman of Strype Audio, who mastered “Electric Temple” as he did for our previous two albums.  He is always a pleasure to work with and does excellent work every time.  

Recorded and produced by Ole Teigen in his studio Crowtown Recordings, and with album artwork by Pia Isaksen and band photo by Carl Eek, track listing for “Electric Temple” is as follows:


1. Rising Flame
2. Electric Temple
3. Apocalypse
4. Moonbather
5. Sonic Sacrament
6. Returning Light
7. Laws of Nature
8. Then you Move
9. Siren Sing
10. May



“Electric Temple” will be available in CD,  Digital and Vinyl formats, and can be pre-ordered from the following:

Bandcamp:  https://superlynx.bandcamp.com/album/electric-temple
Webshop:  https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://darkessence.aisamerch.com/

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/superlynxovdoom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superlynxdoom/
Bandcamp: https://superlynx.bandcamp.com  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe19cwckrGkiAEm9RlV6eEw
Band Contact and Booking:  superlynxdoom@gmail.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:  http://darkessence.aisamerch.com/
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

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