Norwegian Space Rock trio Astrosaur, who feature former Ihshan and Leprous guitarist Eirik Kråkenes, unveil the official video for the eight-minute long track “Black Hole Earth,” taken from upcoming third album “Portals,” which will be released through Pelagic Records on November 18. Watch the video through the YouTube player below:
“We’re very happy to present our new single Black Hole Earth from our upcoming third full-length Portals,” says Kråkenes. “The video is made by Glenn Marshall who specialises in machine learning and AI generated artworks, and we’re thrilled with the journey his machines have created for our track. Tune in, space out!The title Portals comes from a fascination with the concept of time and theories of the multiverse,” continues Kråkenes. “Some say that if time and space are infinite and our universe is just one of endless universes in an infinite multiverse, every possible event will happen an infinite number of times. What would these parallel universes and alternate timelines look like?”
First single “Black Hole Earth” is masterclass soaring Post-Rock guitars, with its magnifcent main melody, which is ofset against a blistering Desert Rock rif, like a star ship phasing in and out of hyperspace, alternating between crushing your guts and showing you the most marvellous views of deep space.
“The title Portals comes from a fascination with the concept of time and theories of the multiverse,” continues Kråkenes, philosophising about the origin of these songs. “Some say that if time and space are infnite and our universe is just one of endless universes in an infnite multiverse, every possible event will happen an infnite number of times. What would these parallel universes and alternate timelines look like?”
Indeed, the world of “Portals” seems to contemplate an endless number of possibilities and an infnite number of aspects. Its huge sound and break-neck speed rifs envisage a frantic race to the farthest edges of the universe, while the attention to detail in composition and production reveal a sensitivity to the infnitesimal spaces between the smallest of quarks that make up the matter around us.
Regardless of your inclination for interstellar travel, there is one thing that is undeniable about “Portals,” and that is its massive sound. Carried by the diverse and dynamic drumming of Eikum, Kråkenes and Glas are free to roam the infnite space of possibility present within the art of the rif. Album closer “Eternal Return” is perhaps the best expression of the rif-tastic genius of Astrosaur, and the best demonstration of why this band has never sounded better before. The unique tone of Kråkenes lingers to fll the void, with his dual amp setup allowing for creative use of the stereo efect as if at least two guitarists are trading chops. Meanwhile, the big bass sound of Glas doesn’t fow from your speakers. No, it erupts from the cones, unearthing tones unheard from your setup, before morphing into a subtle vintage sound for one of the many elegant melodic breaks that Glas contributes, adding to the beauty of this sonic journey.
From a compositional viewpoint as well, “Eternal Return” is a mind-blowing afair. This giant Psychedelic Prog epic has been built from diferent themes and motifs that take turns in appearing, shifting form and developing as they go along. Segueing into new themes or returning to earlier ones, “Eternal Return” gloriously comes full circle, ending the mind-boggling journey of “Portals.”
Where previous records were recorded live, or recorded with the intent of sounding like the band playing live, “Portals” is the product of a deliberate recording process that allowed for more layering and experimentation. With the addition of vibraphones, Moog and acoustic guitars, the sound of Astrosaur is fuller and more diverse than ever before. From the soaring overture of «Opening» to the glorious fnale of “Eternal Return,” “Portals” shows the next great post-metal band at their most accomplished. Fans of dynamic rifs and intricate compositions can once again rejoice as they’re able to tune in and fade out once more with another wild ride courtesy of this exciting Norwegian powerhouse.
Pre-order the album here: https://pelagic-records.com/product-tag/astrosaur/