Posts Tagged ‘Progressive’

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES TRACK FROM UPCOMING ARABS IN ASPIC BACK CATALOGUE TRILOGY

Posted: November 1, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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The 1st December will see Karisma Records release the final three albums from the Back Catalogue of Prog Rockers ARABS IN ASPIC, and, as a prequel, the label has released, the title track from the band’s sixth album “The Magic of Sin” as a digi single. 

The single, can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/AIA_TheMagicOfSin

“The Magic of Sin” itself  was an album that marked a turning point in the band’s career, setting the parameters, both musically and structurally, for the direction that ARABS IN ASPIC would take going forward. Like all the albums in the Back Catalogue re-releases, it has been re-mastered  by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, OPIUM CARTEL, SOLSTEIN etc), and features artwork by the band’s long-time collaborator Julia Proszowska.

Following on from the 2021 re-release of the first three albums from the band’s back-catalogue, those included in this, the final trilogy of releases, are:

“Pictures in a Dream” which was originally released in 2013, and will now be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Blue/Yellow marble Vinyl formats.

2015’s “Victims of your Father’s Agony” which will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Yellow/Blue Marble Vinyl formats.

And, of course, the afore-mentioned “The Magic of Sin”. First released in 2017, it is a very special album for ARABS IN ASPIC, for reasons too numerous to go into. Suffice it to say that its re-release deserves a special treatment.  Thus,  aside from the usual CD and Digital formats, “The Magic of Sin” will also be available in the form of a limited first pressing of the LP version in orange/black marble vinyl which comes in a unique tri-fold cover revealing more of Julia Proszowska’s striking cover art. If its  combined with the original  “Syndenes Magi” LP, all five panels of the painting will be visible.

All three albums will also be available as a Limited Edition Box Set vinyl titled “IV – VI”

All  versions of all the albums can now be pre-ordered from:

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

Full details and history of each of the individual releases can be found at https://www.karismarecords.no/blog/2023/10/10/karisma-records-announces-details-of-three-back-catalogue-re-releases-from-arabs-in-aspic/

With a lineup  consisting of Jostein Smeby on Guitars + vocals, Stig Jørgensen on Organs + vocals, Erik Paulsen on Bass + vocals, Eskil Nyhus on Drums + cymbals and Alessandro G. Elide on Percussion + gongs,  and based  in Trondheim, Norway, the band’s roots can be traced back to the Golden Era of rock.

Given that they have seven full-length albums to their name (their seventh, “Madness and Magic” having been released on Karisma Records in 2020), ARABS IN ASPIC are certainly not newcomers to the prog scene.  Indeed, they have  been at  the forefront of 70’s inspired progressive rock and proto-hard rock for fifteen years. 

ARABS IN ASPIC’s unmistakable sound is mix of loud, heavy guitars and drums, 12 string acoustics, funky bass and percussion, screaming Hammond organs, soft Rhodes, Mellotrons and 70’s Synths, topped with plentiful vocal harmonies.  It’s an all-encompassing sound that includes aspects of classic rock, funk, pop, prog, heavy rock, bossanova, and a capella.  

ARABS IN ASPIC’s next live appearance will be on the 11th November, alongside Dark Essence Records artist LUMSK, at the Verkstedhallen & Lobbyen in Trondheim, Norway.

More information about ARABS IN ASPIC can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/arabsinaspic/ or on their website at  http://www.arabsinaspic.org/

A video of Arabs in Aspic live can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/v3jekw2m19c

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ARABS IN ASPIC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arabsinaspic/
Website: http://www.arabsinaspic.org/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/arabsinaspic YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/dragedraug
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 ANNOUNCES ALBUM DETAILS OF BOOK II  IN THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN’S AIROEA FANTASY TRILOGY AND NEW SINGLE

Posted: October 27, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Good news for those who are curious to find out what Father Robin gets up to next on his travels through the fantastical world of Airoea because Karisma Records have just announced the release of “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II”  from Prog Rockers THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (TCOFR for short).

“The Songs & Tales of Airoea” Trilogy itself unfolds over a period of three decades  in an archaic alternate world. In Book II (“Ocean Traveller – Metamorphosis”) Father Robin journeys to the underwater city of Oriasaleah and over the Sea of Ayrouhr to the Grand Reef, where our intrepid explorer faces grave danger at the hands of the island people.

The album opens with the sacral and atmospheric track “Over Westwinds”, and carries the listener further on a dynamic musical journey that uses lush and varied soundscapes, which evoke visions of the golden era of progressive rock.  An abundant, and well-thought out, use of a variety of  instruments, such as flute, mellotron and glockenspiel, alongside more traditional rock instruments, is neatly packaged in a production that is both dynamic and organic, making “The Songs & Tales of Airoea” Trilogy a gem waiting to be discovered by fans of progressive rock.

For those eager or curious for a taste of what Book II will sound like, Karisma Records have today released a single from the album.  Titled “The Grand Reef” it can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/TCOFR_TheGrandReef

TCOFR features  members from some of the most revered progressive rock bands from Norway, WOBBLER, JORDSJØ, TUSMØRKE and seasoned post-rockers THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE, and their concept Trilogy was thirty years in the making.

The result in a cohesive triple concept album that features 18 songs in total which are spread out over three albums.  With Book I having been released in September of this year, Book II will appear on the 8th December in CD, Digital and LP formats.  The complete Trilogy is available as a Deluxe Limited Edition Triple Coloured Vinyl Box Set on Old Oak Records.

Contributors on the Trilogy include Thomas Kaldhol (MT. MELODIÉ, THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE), Lars Fredrik Frøislie (WOBBLER, IN LINGUA MORTUA, WHITE WILLOW), folksinger Aleksandra Morozova (MT. MELODIE, OSLO PHILHARMONIC CHOIR), Kristoffer Momrak (ALWANZATAR, TUSMØRKE, LES FLEURS DU MAL), Håkon Oftung (JORDSJØ) and illustrator Lars Kvernberg.

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

07. Over Westwinds
08. Orias & the Underwater City
09. Ocean Traveller
10. Lady of Waves
11. Green refreshments
12. The Grand Reef

Pre-orders are now available from:

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

Emerging from the remains of the band FANGORN back in 1993- 94, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER was formed by WOBBLER frontman Andreas W. S. Prestmo, who was joined by childhood friends Jon and Henrik, with whom he shared a joint interest in folk tales, mythology, fantasy literature, psychedelia and adventurous music.

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

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

PROG ROCKERS JORDSJØ RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: September 8, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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“Salighet”, the fourth full-length album from Norwegian Prock Rockers JORDSJØ, sees multi-instrumentalist Håkon Oftung (TUSMØRKE, BLACK MAGIC, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN) and drummer KRISTIAN FRØLAND continue on their musical journey that draws its inspiration from Nordic jazz and folk music, classical 1900s music, and sensory expanding 60s and 70s rock.

With “Salighet” set to hit the streets on the 6th October, and with the possibility of the album becoming one of the most significant Prog albums of 2023, Karisma Records have treated JORDSJØ fans, old and new, to a another glimpse, with the release of the single “Ura”, which can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of platforms at

https://link.karismarecords.no/Jordsjo_Ura

JORDSJØ explained how a mountain hike led to the creation of this particular track:

“Ura” (The Stone Pile) is based on a poem written after a mountain hike surrounded by fog and rain, and the feeling of losing track of the trail you follow. Even in familiar places where you have wandered countless times, nature can behave in ways that make you lose your way. Life itself can sometimes be perceived in the same way, and new roads and directions can appear out of the fog. The poem was written in the same form as old folk songs, so composing music and rhythms in the same fashion was a very natural process.

As to “Salighet” itself, by melding progressive rock with fantastic melodies and an added Folkish twist, JORDSJØ sets out to explore the various forms of ecstasy.  The album’s grand dynamics and dramatics  serving as a counterpoint to the mundane reality of everyday existence.

The desire to find mystery and alternate realities amongst all that is banal in our day to day lives is expressed through JORDSJØ’s music and lyrics – the colourful symphonic folk-rock sound bringing to life a dance or a a mountain hike, a fairytale or religious pondering or any other kinds of inner travels.

Mastered by Magnus Guldbrandsen at Jelöy Sound Mastering, and with artwork by Sindre Foss Skancke, track listing for  “Salighet”  is as follows:

01. Invokasjon
02. Sankeren
03. Salighet I
04. Salighet II
05. Ura
06. Danseritualer fra Jordsjø – Prosesjon & Ekstase
07. Stjernestigen

“Salighet”  will be released in CD, Digital, LP, and Limited Edition Transparent vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://jordsjo.bandcamp.com/album/salighet
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/

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
JORDSJØ
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jordsjoe/
Bandcamp: https://jordsjo.bandcamp.com
Band Contact: jordsjoe@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: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

KARISMA RECORDS ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FIRST OF SIX RELEASES FROM THE BACK CATALOGUE OF PROG LEGENDS WHITE WILLOW

Posted: August 18, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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On the 3rd November Karisma Records will release “Ignis Fatuus” the 1995 debut album from Norwegian Prog legends WHITE WILLOW,  which will be the first of six out of the band’s seven studio album back catalogue that the label will release.

WHITE WILLOW was formed in 1992 by guitarist Jacob Holm-Lupo, who at that time was a member of the POLICE/BRUCE HORNSBY-inspired pop band THE ORCHID GARDEN, and keyboard player Jan Tariq Rahman from local jazz-rock/prog rock band DUGGVÅTE DVE. 

The two musicians had come together to see if they had any kind of songwriting chemistry, and, whilst sitting on the floor playing acoustic guitar and clavinet, the resultant track “Snowfall” proved that they did, indeed, have something going for them.

The band’s debut album “Ignis Fatuus” took the global progressive rock scene by storm, with 5000 copies selling out in record time, whilst stellar worldwide reviews and fan mail came pouring in and earned WHITE WILLOW  the accolade as “one of the most significant progressive groups of the current era” in Billboard’s “Guide to Progressive Music”.

Indeed WHITE WILLOW’s popularity was such that when the band attended the Los Angeles’ Progfest ’95, for what would be only their second ever live performance, they found themselves playing in front of an audience that numbered in the thousands and who had come specifically to see them.

The songs on “Ignis Fatuus” range from almost pure pastoral folk-rock, as on “Snowfall” and “Till He Arrives”, to out-and-out prog rock, as on “John Dee’s Lament” and “Cryptomenysis” (the latter featuring a guest appearance from VED BUENS ENDE’S Carl Michael Eide). It also included unusual experiments like the renaissance-inspired hymn “Song”, based on the poem by Christina Rossetti.

Whilst WHITE WILLOW didn’t, at the time, consider themselves a prog-rock band, more a folk-rock band that dabbled in symphonic arrangements, “Ignis Fatuus”  nevertheless became a classic amongst prog connoisseurs, and the prospect of its re-release has caused quite a buzz on the scene.

The  “Ignis Fatuus” re-release has been meticulously remastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo himself, and features the original classic cover art.   

Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Snowfall
2. Lord of Night
3. Song
4. Ingenting
5. The Withering of the Boughs
6. Lines on an Autumnal Evening
7. Now in these Fairy Lands
8. Piletreet
9. Till He Arrives
10. Cryptomenysis
11. Sighs
12. John Dee’s Lament

“Ignis Fatuus” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Double LP in orange/blue vinyl.  It can be pre-ordered from:

Bandcamp: https://whitewillow.bandcamp.com
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/product/artist/  
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com 

Whilst WHITE WILLOW has now become exclusively a studio project, helmed by Holm-Lupo and often featuring guest appearances from prominent musicians such as  Norway’s guitar hero Hedvig Mollestad, or internationally renowned klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer, the band’s history  has been somewhat complicated.

Band members have come and gone over the years  with only Holm-Lupo having remained with the band since its inception, whilst WOBBLERS Lars Fredrik Frøislie has been a mainstay since 2001. 

WHITE WILLOW’s  sound too has undergone changes, but it’s safe to say that it  is frequently centered around female vocals and an expanded instrumentation that usually includes a host of analogue synthesizers, mellotron, woodwinds and strings, in addition, of course to traditional rock instrumentation.

As well as “Ignis Fatuus”, Karisma Records will also be releasing the following WHITE WILLOW albums:

Ex Tenebris – 1998
Sacrament – 2000
Storm Season – 2004
Signal to Noise – 2006
Terminal Twilight – 2011

More information about WHITE WILLOW can be found at https://www.facebook.com/whitewillowband/

A video for the track “Kansas Regrets” from WHITE WILLOW’s 2011 album “Terminal Twilight” can be seen below and at at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpoK4YUKYu0&ab_channel=BlankTV

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
White Willow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewillowband/
Holm-Lupo Lydproduksjon:   www.duderanchstudio.com
Karisma Records
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: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS NEW TRACK FROM  UPCOMING VULTURE INDUSTRIES ALBUM

Posted: April 12, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, VULTURE INDUSTRIES
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Inspired by what I consider one of the most disturbing paintings ever made, the track deals with power-hungry old men and their ruthless disregard of life and consequence in their quest for a glorified place in history.

The above description by Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen’s of “Saturn Devouring His Young”,  the newly released track taken from VULTURE INDUSTRIES upcoming album “Ghosts from the Past”,  is certainly  very apropos of the situation in which the world finds itself today, and you can hear it by either streaming or downloading it now from a variety of services at

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/VultureIndustries_SaturnDevouringHisYoung

Written at a time when the band was undergoing considerable changes in their personal lives, coupled with the arrival of the Pandemic, and all the turmoil that went with it, VULTURE INDUSTRIES’ fifth full-length album “Ghosts from the Past”, understandably took longer than normal to write.  

Despite struggling to find a sense of direction, the band’s lineup of Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen on vocals and keys, Eivind Huse on guitars and vocals, Øyvind Madsen on guitars, Kyrre Teigen on bass and vocals, and Tor Helge Gjengedal  on drums , have produced an album that is essentially a piece of their collective soul.

It was a struggle well worth undergoing because  the band’s fifth full-length album is their strongest to date, and  marks a new direction for VULTURE INDUSTRIES, one that tends more towards the darker side of hard rock but which still maintains their  unique and unmistakable sound.

“Ghosts from the Past” draws on a kaleidoscope of influences; from dust-riddled Spaghetti Westerns accompanied by Ennio Morricone, past the monochrome melancholia of apocalyptic post punk, through deep valleys and steep hills shrouded in progressive darkness, and a Nordic Noir looking to solve the unexplained murder of the truth.

It mirrors all that was going on around it, and reflects the fear of a world spinning out of control, and the sense of powerlessness in the face of a world order that is falling apart. Only to be replaced by old ideas imposed by autocratic warlords with no goal in mind other than their own power and legacy.

Recorded at the Conclave & Earshot Studios “Ghosts from the Past” was produced by the band and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street. With album artwork by Kim Holm and artwork for the singles by Costin Chioreanu, track listing is as follows:

  1. New Lords of Light
  2. Saturn Devouring His Young
  3. This Hell is Mine
  4. Deeper
  5. Right Here in the Dark
  6. A Strangers Curse
  7. Tyrants Weep Alone

Set for release on the 16th June on Dark Essence Records, “Ghosts from the Past! will be available in CD, Digital and Vinyl formats and can be pre-ordered now from the foillowing:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar255-vulture-industries-ghosts-from-the-past/
BandCamp: https://vultureindustries.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-from-the-past
North American Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Over the years, VULTURE INDUSTRIES has been proven to have a wide appeal both on stage and with their studio output, and their stagecraft has earned them a reputation as a theatrical and hugely entertaining live act.  With plans for extensive live shows and tours in the works for 2023, the following appearances have already been confirmed:

15 Apr – Kvarteret, Bergen: 20 year anniversary (NO)
28 Apr – Ogna Scene, Ogna (NO)
16 Jun – Vaterland, Oslo (NO)
17 Jun – Good Omens, Trondheim (NO)
28/29 Jul – Artmania Festival, Sibiu (RO)

Dark Essence Records recently released the single “New Lords of Light” from “Ghosts from the Past”, and a video for the track, filmed and edited by Jarle Hovda Moe and with stock video from Carnival of Souls, can be seen at https://youtu.be/FB4d8lMEeLg

More information about VULTURE INDUSTRIES can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries/ and on the band’s website  at http://www.vulture-industries.net/

Additional Information
VULTURE INDUSTRIES
Website: http://www.vulture-industries.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries
Bandcamp:  https://vultureindustries.bandcamp.com
Webshop: https://vultureindustries.bigcartel.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSajmM4gDMC8Tt41pc2BAw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vultureindustries/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VultureIndustr1
Band Contact: bjornar@vulture-industries.net
Management: bjornar@propulsionmusic.no
Booking: benny@doomstarbookings.com
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
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/

DETAILS OF UPCOMING VULTURE INDUSTRIES ALBUM REVEALED ALONG WITH NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

Posted: March 22, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, VULTURE INDUSTRIES
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Embracing a sound that was once described by a fan as “This is how Nick Cave would sound like if he made metal”, VULTURE INDUSTRIES has long since established itself as something singular, yet oddly familiar and strangely recognizable.

And, with the release of “Ghosts from the Past”, the band’s fifth full length album imminent,  Dark Essence Records have today debuted a track from the album, along with an accompanying video.

The track, titled “New Lords of Light” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at https://link.darkessencerecords.no/VultureIndustries_NewLordsOfLight 

A video for the track, filmed and edited by Jarle Hovda Moe and with stock video from Carnival of Souls, can be seen at https://youtu.be/FB4d8lMEeLg

The band’s  Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen gave us an insight into how the track evolved:

Starting life with the working  title “For Roky”, I felt that this one had a haunting feel reminiscent of Roky Erickson. This was back during the pandemic summer of 2021, and I remember listening to early versions of the track in my car whilst driving up and down the west coast with my kids in the back. Processing the track in this way  probably had a defining influence on the final result, so in the end it turned out upbeat and energetic, yet bound in a sombre atmosphere somehow reminiscent of the 80s.

Given that “Ghosts from the Past” was written at a time when the band was undergoing considerable changes in their personal lives, as well as the changes wrought by the Pandemic, the album inevitably took longer than normal to write. Whilst feeling lost and struggling to find a sense of direction,  the combined process of writing and production proved to be the longest to date for VULTURE INDUSTRIES.

The end result, however,  is VULTURE INDUSTRIES’ strongest album to date, because “Ghosts from the Past” represents what is essentially a piece of their soul.  It succeeds in mirroring all that was going on around it, and reflects the fear of a world spinning out of control, and the sense of powerlessness in the face of a world order that is falling apart. Only to be replaced by old ideas imposed by autocratic warlords with no goal in mind other than their own power and legacy.

Whilst still maintaining their unique sound, “Ghosts from the Past” marks a new direction for VULTURE INDUSTRIES, one which leans towards the darker side of hard rock. Drawing on a wide range of influences; from dust-riddled Spaghetti Westerns accompanied by Ennio Morricone, past the monochrome melancholia of apocalyptic post punk, through deep valleys and steep hills shrouded in progressive darkness, and a Nordic Noir looking to solve the unexplained murder of the truth.

Recorded at the Conclave & Earshot Studios “Ghosts from the Past” was produced by the band and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street. With album artwork by Kim Holm and artwork for the singles by Costin Chioreanu, track listing is as follows:

  1. New Lords of Light
  2. Saturn Devouring His Young
  3. This Hell is Mine
  4. Deeper
  5. Right Here in the Dark
  6. A Strangers Curse
  7. Tyrants Weep Alone

“Ghosts from the Past” will be released on the 16th June in CD, Digital and Vinyl formats and is now available to pre-order from the foillowing:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar255-vulture-industries-ghosts-from-the-past/
BandCamp: https://vultureindustries.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-from-the-past
North American Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Over the years, VULTURE INDUSTRIES has been proven to have a wide appeal both on stage and with their studio output, and their stagecraft has earned them a reputation as a theatrical and hugely entertaining live act.  With plans for extensive live shows and tours in the works for 2023, the following appearances have already been confirmed:

15 Apr – Kvarteret, Bergen: 20 year anniversary (NO)
28 Apr – Ogna Scene, Ogna (NO)
16 Jun – Vaterland, Oslo (NO)
17 Jun – Good Omens, Trondheim (NO)
28/29 Jul – Artmania Festival, Sibiu (RO)

VULTURE INDUSTRIES lineup has been together since the band’s beginning and comprises Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen on vocals and keys, Eivind Huse on guitars and vocals, Øyvind Madsen on guitars, Kyrre Teigen on bass and vocals, and Tor Helge Gjengedal  on drums. 

More information about VULTURE INDUSTRIES can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries/ and on the band’s website  at http://www.vulture-industries.net/

Additional Information
VULTURE INDUSTRIES
Website: http://www.vulture-industries.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries
Bandcamp:  https://vultureindustries.bandcamp.com
Webshop: https://vultureindustries.bigcartel.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSajmM4gDMC8Tt41pc2BAw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vultureindustries/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VultureIndustr1
Band Contact: bjornar@vulture-industries.net
Management: bjornar@propulsionmusic.no
Booking: benny@doomstarbookings.com
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
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/

VULTURE INDUSTRIES RETURN TO DARK ESSENCE RECORDS FOR FIFTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM

Posted: March 20, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES, VULTURE INDUSTRIES
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Dark Essence Records have announced that VULTURE INDUSTRIES will be making a very welcome return back to the label’s roster, and that preparations are under way for the release of the band’s fifth full-length album.

Rising from out of the ashes of the Goth band DEAD ROSE GARDEN in 2003, VULTURE INDUSTRIES established a lineup formed of Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen on vocals and keys, Eivind Huse on guitars and vocals, Øyvind Madsen on guitars, Kyrre Teigen on bass and vocals, and Tor Helge Gjengedal  on drums.  It was a lineup that gelled right from the outset and has remained unchanged for two decades now. 

Releasing two critically acclaimed albums, “Dystopia Journals” and “The Malefactor’s Bloody Register”, and touring extensively during their first four years, VULTURE INDUSTRIES perfected their stagecraft and forged a reputation as a theatrical and hugely entertaining live act.

The release of “The Tower” in 2013 and 2017’s “Stranger Times” demonstrated just what a wide appeal VULTURE INDUSTRIES has, both on stage and in the studio.  The fact that the band collaborated with a variety of artists undoubtedly aided in their audience’s growing enthusiasm, but it also showed how many established names, both musical and artistic, wanted to be part of the VULTURE INDUSTRIES experience.

The only other official release since then was 2019’s single “Deeper” in 2019, which became the band’s most streamed song with 1,5 million plays on Spotify, and “Matpakkevise” on Jubaleumsplate, which was a tribute to the Norwegian artist Knudsen og Ludvigsen.

It was then that the world as we knew it changed with the arrival of the pandemic and halted any plans any band may have had for tours and new albums.  Although VULTURE INDUSTRIES did enter a state of creative hibernation, they did, nevertheless, manage to spread some happiness amongst their fans by producing and streaming shows from historic locations around Bergen, one from the town’s last public brothel and the other from a historical cloth factory, along with some Covid-Safe concerts in Norway.

With the world opening up again, VULTURE INDSTRIES played a number of festivals during 2022 which whetted the band’s appetite for creativity, and, with a renewed enthusiasm, they entered the studio and began finalizing the composing and recording of “Ghosts from the Past” which will be released in June of this year – more details will follow.

 

The following live appearances have so far been confirmed for VULTURE INDUSTRIES this year:

15 Apr – Kvarteret, Bergen: 20 year anniversary (NO)
28 Apr – Ogna Scene, Ogna (NO)
16 Jun – Vaterland, Oslo (NO)
17 Jun – Good Omens, Trondheim (NO)
28/29 Jul – Artmania Festival, Sibiu (RO)

More information about VULTURE INDUSTRIES can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries/ and on the band’s website  at http://www.vulture-industries.net/

A video of VULTURE INDUSTRIES performing the track “Strangers” from the “Strange Times” album can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/G8Cy1s4XNZU

Additional Information
VULTURE INDUSTRIES
Website: http://www.vulture-industries.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vultureindustries
Bandcamp:  https://vultureindustries.bandcamp.com
Webshop: https://vultureindustries.bigcartel.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSajmM4gDMC8Tt41pc2BAw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vultureindustries/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VultureIndustr1
Band Contact: bjornar@vulture-industries.net
Management: bjornar@propulsionmusic.no
Booking: benny@doomstarbookings.com
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
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/

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/

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 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

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