Posts Tagged ‘Prog’

KARISMA RECORDS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM AND SINGLE FROM PSYCHEDELIC PROG FOLK ROCKERS TUSMØRKE

Posted: June 1, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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TUSMØRKE ‘s last three concept-based releases delighted the legion of young music fans at which they were aimed (as well as a sizeable portion of grownups too). But now, the prolific Norwegian Psychedelic Prog Folk Rockers are back again, ready to unleash their anarchic brand of music on their adult fans with an eleventh full-length album titled “Hestehoven” that is definitely not for the faint hearted.

With “Hestehoven” TUSMØRKE have created a strange Fairyland where Satyrs and Nymphs indulge in brazen Bacchanals, and the unwary stranger is sucked into chance encounters with mildew-encrusted adult magazines that can be found carefully stashed away in the shrubs, and which are nothing short of erotic mysteries reminiscent of ancient fertility cults.

It is a world from which there is no turning back once you step on that wretched path that is fraught with danger and temptation.  Warlocks cackle and witches blush,  and a wise priest, who can see beyond the Lord’s Prayer, binds Old Eric to his bidding.

Due out on the 18th of August, fans have been given a first glimpse into the “Mysteries” of the album with the release of the track “The Cycle of the Gylfaginning”, about which the band says:

As it begins, so it will end; from destruction new creations arise. In the turning wheel of  the seasons, all things take their turn again and again, take after take after take. There is no final take. After Ragnarok, life rolls on. Like the cycle of vegetation, Osiris, Balder or Jesus disappear to reappear. At the bottom of religion there is recycling.

“The Cycle of the Gylfaginning” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of sources at

https://link.karismarecords.no/Tusmorke_Cycle-of-the-Gylfaginning

Named after the flower Coltsfoot “Hestehoven” is an album that seems to spring from the Underworld both in sound, with its chthonic aspects, as well as in its conceptual undertones,  allowing the listeners to hum along as they witness a devil’s pact whilst peering through the keyhole of the local church. Or maybe rock out whilst riding a dog backwards, all the way to the witches’ Sabbath.

The artwork for “Hestehoven” has been specially commissioned from the highly acclaimed Norwegian artist Sverre Malling, and the track listing is as follows:

  1. Cycle of the Gylfaginning
  2. Hestehoven
  3. Den behornede guden
  4. Åndemaneren
  5. Jeg klumser deg
  6. Kyprianos
  7. The Wicked Ways of Witches and Wizards

“Hestehoven” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Vinyl with 4 page Lyric Booklet  formats and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar254-tusmorke-hestehoven/ 
Bandcamp: https://tusm-rke.bandcamp.com/album/hestehoven
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com 

Life is never just sunshine and rainbows with  TUSMØRKE, whose name means twilight in Norwegian, and it is never more true than with “Hestehoven”.  However, what is true is that the band got it right when they say that the album is:

True Norwegian finger-clicking, butt-swinging. prog rock. No more, no less – but cerebral in excess! Spring has sprung! If it is all too much to bear, close your eyes and think about the flowers. Hail Pan.

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
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

IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS REVEALS DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM FROM JACOB HOLM-LUPO’S  SOLSTEIN

Posted: April 21, 2023 in IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS, KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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SOLSTEIN came into being after multi-instrumentalist Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL, DONNER) and drummer Keith Carlock (STEELY DAN, TOTO, JOHN LEGEND, STING) had collaborated with legendary guitarist Georg Wadenius on a track for Holm-Lupo’s DONNER project. The collaboration between the duo worked so well that they  decided to come together again on a whole album.

Joining Carlock and Holm-Lupo are up-and-coming guitarist Stian Larsen and keyboardists Brynjar Dambo (WHITE WILLOW) and Bill Bressler, and together they form a project that is inspired by jazz-rock, funk, prog rock and chill-out.  The sound they produce is an  instrumental form of rock, where jazz harmony combines with proggy arrangements and soul/funk grooves. The end result is laid back and  elegant, oscillating between funky fusion and rock.

Given some of the member’s prog backgrounds, there are also echoes of the jazzier side of prog, but, more than anything, SOLSTEIN is a playground for the musicians, where everyone was given free reins to do whatever they felt the music needed. If it put a smile on everyone’s face, it was deemed right.

The result is a self-titled album that is accessible yet adventurous, colourful, groovy and engaging. It melds  the groovier side of fusion with elements of prog and funk, but which, rather than having the standard 2020s fusion sound, tends more towards the funkier, more melodic spectrum that brings artists like THE CRUSADERS, IDRIS MUHAMMED, early BOB JAMES and 70s HERBIE HANCOCK to mind.

“Solstein”  was mixed and given pristine analogue mastering at Holm-Lupo’s Dude Ranch Studio, and with artwork by Martina Wilek, track listing is as follows:

  1. Intersection
  2. Oriental Folk Song
  3. Southwester
  4. The Night Owl
  5. Siriusly
  6. February 9th
  7. The Creeper
  8. Hamada

“Solstein” will be released on Is it Jazz? Records on the 7th July in CD, Digital and LPC formats and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://solstein.bandcamp.com/album/solstein
Is it Jazz Records: Webshop: https://isitjazzrecords.no/
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/

The name SOLSTEIN means Sunstone, and it refers to  a relatively rare rock containing copper-red crystals, which, when seen from different angles refracts the light in a very beautiful way. The most significant deposits of the rock are found along the southern coast of Norway where Holm-Lupo lives and runs his studio.

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

Additional Information
Solstein
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/solsteinband
Band Contact:  aslanlupo@gmail.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

THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN, A FULL BLOWN CONCEPTUAL PROG ROCK ADVENTURE WITH MEMBERS OF WOBBLER, TUSMØRKE, SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE AND JORDSJØ TO BE RELEASED ON KARISMA RECORDS IN JOINT VENTURE WITH OLD OAK RECORDS

Posted: March 17, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Inspired by the classic bands and albums of the early 1970s progressive music scene, as well as  contemporary bands ÄNGLAGÅRD, ANEKDOTEN, WHITE WILLOW and LANDBERK, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (TCOFR for short) was founded back in 1993-94 by WOBBLER frontman Andreas W. S. Prestmo together with childhood friends Jon and Henrik, who shared a joint interest in folk tales, mythology, fantasy literature, psychedelia and adventurous music.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN
Website: www.fatherrobin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChroniclesofFatherRobin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechroniclesoffatherrobin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS DOUBLE SINGLE FROM FOLK PROG ROCKERS LUMSK UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: March 10, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When Dark Essence Records recently announced the details of “Fremmede Toner”,  the upcoming release from  Norwegian Folk Prog Rockers LUMSK, it was clear that this was going to be a very unusual  album, as the band explained:

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

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

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

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Lumsk_DetDodeBarn_DasTodeKind

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

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

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

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

Track listing is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lumskmusic  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumskband/
Band Contact: lumsk@hammersound.no
Dark Essence contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Dark Essence Records: www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkessencerecords
Dark Essence Records Bandcamp:  http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/
Dark Essence Records YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/DarkEssenceRecords
Dark Essence Records Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkessencerecords/
Dark Essence Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkEssenceRec
Dark Essence SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/dark-essence-records
Dark Essence Records Webshop: https://www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence Records North American Webshop:  https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

SYMPHONIC PROGGERS CARAVELA ESCARLATE RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: January 5, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With their third full-length album, simply titled “III”,  due out  on Karisma Records on the 27th January,  Brazilian Symphonic Proggers CARAVELA ESCARLATE  have released another song from the album. This time the chosen track is “Mandala”, which, in keeping with the album’s theme, takes a look at another significant period in history, as the band explains:

The introspective feel of this instrumental song, set over a solid mid-tempo groove, together with the epic moments of the chorus guided by mellotrons, leads the audience on a trip to the old cultures, in which circular forms represent the relationship between humankind and divine things. 

“Mandala” can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Caravela-Escarlate_Mandala

Drawing inspiration from both English and Italian ‘70s Prog Rock, CARAVELA ESCARLATE was formed in 2011 in Rio de Janeiro.  Today’s lineup of Jove David Paiva on vocal, bass, guitar, Elcio Cáfaro on drums, and Ronaldo Rodrigues (ARCPELAGO, BLUE RUMBLE) on keyboard, create a sound that allows audiences into a world of organs and synthesisers, played over a solid foundation of drums and bass. 

It is sound that is not too dissimilar to the exciting prog-rock trios of the 1970s, but there is an essential difference that imbues CARAVELA ESCARLATE’s music with an atmosphere that is original, and uniquely its own – because this is a band whose heritage enables it to take its international feel and blend into it a wealth of traditional and popular Brazilian music.

The Roman Empire, the Medieval  Period, Pre-Columbian Civilisations, and the Age of Discovery  were seminal periods in  the development of humanity and the world as we know it today,  and,  in “III”,  CARAVELA ESCARLATE  use their music to explores each period in a uniquely musical way. 

With cover art  by the renowned British artist J.M.W.Turner, chosen for its depiction of a cataclysmic event, namely the eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii in AD 79, track listing for “III” is as follows:

01. Bússola do Tempo
02. Castelos do Céu
03. Sonhos Medievais
04. Mandala
05. Cruz da Ordem
06. Ciclos
07. Filtro dos Sonhos

“III” will be released in CD, Digital and Vinyl formats,  is now available to pre-order from various services at https://link.karismarecords.no/CaravelaEscarlate_III

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

A video of CARAVELA ESVARLATE live playing the title track from their 2018 self-titled album can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/UNx6mKGeHIo

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CARAVELA ESCARLATE
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/caravelaescarlate/
Band Contact & Booking: caravelaescarlate@gmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

KARISMA RECORDS REVEALS NEW SINGLE & DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM FROM BRAZILIAN SYMPHONIC PROGGERS CARAVELA ESCARLATE

Posted: November 24, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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The new year sees the release of the third full-length album from Brazilian Symphonic Proggers CARAVELA ESCARLATE.  A follow up to the bands self-titled 2018 album, and simply titled “III”, the album promises a new journey along the pathways of  vintage progressive rock.

With seven tracks (of which two are instrumentals) to choose from, Karisma Records have chosen to release the track ” Bússola do Tempo” as a single, as the band explains:

“Bússola do Tempo” is the opening track of our new album “III”, and, as the  first single,  it serves as an introduction to the album itself. The song is driven by  powerful bass riffs, a heavy drum section, a warm organ sound, and remarkable synth interludes, the whole of which bears the  influence of glorious 70s classic prog/rock.

You can download or stream “Bússola do Tempo”  from a number of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/CaravelaEscarlate_BussolaDoTempo

Formed in Rio de Janeiro in 2011, CARAVELA ESCARLATE is heavily inspired by both English and Italian ‘70s Prog Rock, but what sets them apart from other bands of their ilk, is that they are able to draw on a wealth of traditional and popular Brazilian music, which gives the trio a special, and quite unique, sound.

With “III”, CARAVELA ESCARLATE have chosen to evoke significant historical issues within their differing contexts.  As such they have created an album that cuts a broad swath through the Roman Empire, the Medieval  Period, Pre-Columbian Civilisations, and the Age of Discovery. 

Even the cover art for “III”,  by the renowned British artist J.M.W.Turner, has been chosen for its depiction of a cataclysmic event, namely the eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii in AD 79.

Tracklisting for “III” is as follows:

01. Bússola do Tempo
02. Castelos do Céu
03. Sonhos Medievais
04. Mandala
05. Cruz da Ordem
06. Ciclos
07. Filtro dos Sonhos

“III” will be released on Karisma Records on the 27th January 2023 in CD, Digital and Vinyl formats and is now available to pre-order from various services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/CaravelaEscarlate_III

In musical terms, CARAVELA ESCARLATE’s lineup of Jove David Paiva on vocal, bass, guitar, Elcio Cáfaro on drums, and Ronaldo Rodrigues (ARCPELAGO, BLUE RUMBLE) on keyboard, provide audiences with a deep dive into the world of organs and synthesisers, played over a solid foundation of drums and bass.  Not too dissimilar from the exciting prog-rock trios of the 1970s, but, with the bands unique universal influences and Brazilian accents.

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

A video of CARAVELA ESVARLATE live playing the title track from their 2018 self-titled album can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/UNx6mKGeHIo

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CARAVELA ESCARLATE
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/caravelaescarlate/
Band Contact & Booking: caravelaescarlate@gmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES 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

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

AIRBAG  CO-FOUNDER BJØRN RIIS CHANNELS PINK FLOYD FOR UPCOMING MINI ALBUM

Posted: August 5, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Round about the time that Karisma Records were preparing to release “Everything to Everyone”,  the fourth solo album from AIRBAG co-founder BJØRN RIIS, the much respected guitarist posited the idea that perhaps the label would be interested in a new mini album, one in which the inspiration he derived from PINK FLOYD could be given free rein.

Of course, Karisma Records were not about to pass up on such an intriguing proposition, and thus work commenced on “A Fleeting Glimpse”, a four-track mini album, which will be released on the 30th September of this year.

Bjørn has always had a huge admiration for PINK FLOYD in general, and guitarist DAVE GILMOUR in particular, and he has long wanted to try and write new material, that, as he says “really tries to get as close to the PINK FLOYD sound, without actually copying or simply  doing covers”.   And with “A Fleeting Glimpse”, he has more than fulfilled that ambition.

So, for aficionados of both Bjørn and PINK FLOYD, Karisma Records are today releasing a single taken from the upcoming album, and not just any single, because “Dark Shadows (part 1)” features guest vocals by none other than DURGA McBROOM, one of PINK FLOYD’s backing singers during the ’80’s and ’90’s.

“Dark Shadows (part 1)” is available to stream or download from your preferred services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/Bjorn-Riis_Dark-Shadows-part-1

Accompanying the track is a video directed by Anne-Marie Forker which can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/eaFW7z20wVQ

It is a track about which Bjørn has this to say:

Dark Shadows (part 1)  was originally written for “Everything to Everyone”. I always liked the mood of this song  so,  for this project, I did some changes to the arrangements and wrote the lyrics. I’m very pleased with how it turned out because it is a powerful blend of both me and my sound and some familiar Floydian moods.

About working with DURGA McBROOM he went on to say:

It was such a thrill for me to work with Durga McBroom and have her beautiful voice on one of my songs. I grew up with that voice! She delivered a truly stunning performance.

McBroom herself seems to have relished the opportunity to have taken part,  saying:

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. I think the song has a unique sound, and I’m honored to have been asked to sing on it.

“A Fleeting Glimpse”  was recorded at the Double Decker Studios, Oslo (Pymlico) and the Riis Studio, Oslo. It was mixed at Subsonic Studio by long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, and was mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL).

Aside from Bjørn on vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards, and  guest vocals from Durga McBroom,  “A Fleeting Glimpse” also features appearances from Arild and Øyvind Brøter from PYMLICO, Per Øydir and Mimmi Tamba.

Coming in at just under 30 minutes, tracklisting for “A Fleeting Glimpse” is as follows:

1. Dark Shadows (part 1)
2. A Voyage to the Sun
3. Summer Meadows
4. Dark Shadows (part 2)

“A Fleeting Glimpse” will be available in Digisleeve CD, Digital and  Limited Edition Transparent Blue Vinyl  LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/kar240-bjorn-riis-a-fleeting-glimpse/
Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/album/a-fleeting-glimpse
North American Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

Bjørn was still in his teens when   guitar-led bands were at the forefront of the rise of the Progressive Rock movement, and this, together with an interest in Electronica and Movie Scores, influenced the young guitarist and led to him developing a style that is filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures.  

His undoubted skill stood him in good stead when he became one of the the founder members, lead guitarist, producer and main songwriter of one of Norway’s most successful  Prog bands AIRBAG, and today he is also a prolific solo artist.  Moreover, such is his knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, that his YouTube channel has become an extremely successful  destination for guitar fans.  The channel can be seen  at https://www.youtube.com/c/BjornRiisMusic

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/c/BjornRiisMusic
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: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music

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