Posts Tagged ‘Wizrd’

KARISMA RECORDS RELEASES NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING WIZRD ALBUM

Posted: November 15, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Set for release on the 6th December, “Elements”, the sophomore full-length album from Norwegian Rockers WIZRD, shows a band eager to build on their already genre-defying style, and expand into new directions. 

But all those fans who have already taken the band into their hearts need not have any worries, because, the elements that make WIZRD what it is, will still be there.  And how best to illustrate this?  With the release of the single “Fire & Flames” about which the band have this to say:

Are we shooting ourselves in the foot when we choose the album’s longest track as the second single? Well, it’s possible! But still, it felt just right. We think “Fire & Flames” sums up “what is WIZRD” in a great way, it is in many ways the quintessential WIZRD song. It captures the calm, meditative and psychedelic nature of several of our songs, while the last half has the rawness, wildness and improvisation that we are perhaps best known for. Therefore, we felt that the song was an obvious single choice, as it represents the band and the album so well.

“Fire & Flames” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at:

https://orcd.co/fireflames

Those who have already had a taste of what to expect from “Elements” in the shape of the recently released double single (available for streaming or download at https://orcd.co/nationalday), will also realise that WIZRD will always be a band that pushes boundaries, successfully  blending all the more interesting aspects  of rock, indie, jazz and prog. But this time they have taken it further, experimenting with new styles, going in fresh melodic directions, and adding both extended and condensed song structures to their repertoire.

Recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, “Elements” is an eclectic album, whose  sound is cohesive and unified –  an unmistakable trait  in all of WIZARD’s  work.   It was co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, who are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”.

Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change  one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.

With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård,  and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp:  https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/album/elements
WebShop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/   
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/wizrd

Track listing for “Elements” is as follows:

  • GT, Me & My 6610
  • Mesmerized
  • The Void
  • Fylkesvei 33
  • National Day
  • You’re Exposed!
  • !!!
  • Fire & Flames
  • Kaleidoskop


WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.

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

A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=GwdMBmZGgU6B4x0z   

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

DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM AND NEW SINGLE FROM NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD REVEALED

Posted: October 25, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Since its formation WIZRD has proved itself to be a band that is happy to colour outside any  genre-defining lines, pushing boundaries and effortlessly blending the more interesting aspects of genres that range from rock and indie to jazz and prog.

And on their upcoming sophomore full-length album “Elements” WIZRD have dived deeper into uncharted musical waters—experimenting with new styles, fresh melodic directions, and both extended and condensed song structures, all the while introducing Norwegian lyrics.

Whilst “Elements” itself is set for release on the 6th December, Karisma Records have today released a double single taken from the album.  The single, which comprises the tracks  “National Day” and “Eternity’s Breath”,  and with artwork by Maja Markegård,  can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/nationalday

WIZRD explained something of the process that went into recording “National Day”:

“National Day” was a song that came together very quickly. Karl came up with the riff, and while we were jamming on it, I came up with the melody line. We wanted to push ourselves a little and see how “little” is needed to make a song. After all, we are prog fans, and happy with lots of different parts, but here we tried to see how we could rather vary a relatively short idea and get a song out of it. It basically went very well, but in the end we couldn’t quite help ourselves, and added the slightly extended solo part. A little three-minute adventure!

By contrast, “Eternity’s Breath” is a totally different beast, not an original, but a cover, and fans of the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA will immediately recognise the title.  Indeed, WIZRD cite the legendary New Yorkers as one of the great inspirations behind their own music:

One of our favourite bands and greatest sources of inspiration is the Mahavishnu Orchestra. We have had a few concert nights in Oslo where we have had one set of our own songs, and one set of Mahavishnu covers. In particular, we have played a lot of the songs from the album “Visions of the Emerald Beyond”, so this time it was only natural for us to include a Mahavishnu song in the recording process. Eternity’s Breath is one of our favourite songs, it’s an insanely fun song to play. Joining the team this time we also got Rohey Taalah and Nadia Warholm Essahli on vocals, and that lifts it to astronomical heights. We hope the result gives you a real kick!
 
“Elements” itself was recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, and the ambiance both within the studio, and within the city itself, left an indelible mark on the album, which, though eclectic, could not be anything other than WIZRD, whose distinctive sound is cohesive and unified.

Co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, WIZRD are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”. Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change  one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.

With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård,  and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp:  wizrd.bandcamp.com
WebShop: karismarecords.no/shop
US Webshop: karismarecords.indiemerch.com

Rrack listing for “Elements” is as follows:

  1. GT, Me & My 6610
  2. Mesmerized
  3. The Void
  4. Fylkesvei 33
  5. National Day
  6. You’re Exposed!
  7. !!!
  8. Fire & Flames
  9. Kaleidoskop


WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.

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

A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen at below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=QSgNFb2L9X_VMWnw   

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

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD RELEASE BLACK SABBATH COVER SINGLE

Posted: October 20, 2023 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When Karisma Records released WIZRD’s debut full-length album “Seasons”  in the autumn of 2022, they introduced to the world a band who chose to include all the best, and most interesting, aspects of Rock,  Indie,  Jazz and Prog within their sound –  and then proceeded to break a few rules.   The result was an album that was filled with beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.

Now, having begun work on their next album, WIZARD and Karisma Records have once again come together, this time to release a cover of the seminal BLACK SABBATH track “The Wizard”.   As the band explains:

Hello hooray! While we are busy recording our second album, we thought it would be good to bring you all a little nugget. This song was a part of our set list a few years back, when we did some shows where the audience could vote and choose in advance what kind of artists we should do a cover of. We all love Black Sabbath. Duh, who doesn’t!? This track is a blast to play, and somehow we feel some kind of kinship to it…and not only because of the title! 

We hope you will enjoy it. Here it is; “The Wizard” by Black Sabbath, à la WIZRD!

“The Wizard”, which is only available in Digi format can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/WIZRD-The-Wizard

WIZRD’s lineup is comprised of  Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.

Having met whilst studying at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, each of the band’s four members bring with them a variety of influences and skills, thereby allowing them to test the limits of their musical horizons –  something they don’t hesitate in doing. 

Norwegian fans of WIZRD will have the chance to see the band live before the end of the year when they are scheduled to play the following dates:

28 Oct:  Victoria, Bergen
17 Nov: Energimølla, Kongsberg
25 Nov:  Værfast, Horten

Whilst booking has already commenced for 2024 with a show at Postkontoret in Oslo on the 6th April

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

A video of the band in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”,  by WIZRD ‘s producer, the Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth,  can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/kzP2VOduRCU?si=V56As-7dRKrZ2HU1

 

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

KARISMA RECORDS REVEALS NEW SINGLE FROM NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD

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

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

As WIZRD’s Hallvard Gaardløs explains:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD REVEAL DETAILS AND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: September 1, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: , , ,
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Having learned their craft at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD have completed work on their new album “Seasons”, and Karisma Records have today released the track “Lessons” from the album.

“Lessons” is a track that gives an insight into what we can expect from the debut album from this talented Norwegian quartet, consisting of Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.

The band’s Hallvard Gaardløs explains::

“Lessons” is somewhat the quintessential WIZRD song, at least for me. It is a good representation of what we intend to do on this album, mixing progressive and improvisational elements with rock & pop sensibilities. The lyrics are about the New Age movement, and the fact that I find it rather silly. I’m kind of just making fun of it all, comparing yoga to a sacrificing ritual for Satan. With that said, I practice yoga sometimes myself, so I guess that makes me a demon worshipper.. Oh well, why not! Hail Satan!

The single “Lessons” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://link.karismarecords.no/Wizrd_Lessons

“Seasons”  itself, is set for release on the 21st October, and showcases how WIZRD are more than happy to test their limits with a sound that encompasses  Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog, whilst breaking a few rules along the way. The end result is a masterclass on how to produce a catchy  album that is filled with beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.

Produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, “Seasons” was recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) and Horntveth, and mixed by Bergen based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED).

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORWEGIAN ROCKERS WIZRD JOIN THE KARISMA RECORDS ROSTER

Posted: March 1, 2022 in KARISMA RECORDS
Tags: , , , , ,
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Rockers WIZRD, a band who happily dip their collective toes into all kinds of genres, from Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog, have joined the roster of Karisma Records, with the label planning to release the band’s debut album during the latter half of 2022. A collaboration about which WIZRD had this to say:

We are super stoked to be working with Karisma Records for our upcoming debut album! To be working alongside such a skilled group of people is both a great pleasure and an honour for us. Together, we will take this music to the stars… and beyond!

Formed at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD’s four-piece line-up of Hallvard Gaardløs  (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals, Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums, are all musicians who definitely know all the rules, but deliberately set out to break them.

Since 2020, WIZRD have been hard at work on their album which will be produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth. Recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) and Horntveth, the album was mixed by Bergen based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED). More information regarding the album will be released in due time.

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

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