With his second solo album “Gamle Mester” (“Old Master”), Lars Fredrik Frøislie offers a profound homage to artistic heritage and the timeless nature of inspiration. Known for his work with Wobbler and other cornerstone acts in the Scandinavian Progressive Rock scene, Frøislie here steps into a more introspective and symbol-laden territory, crafting a musical narrative that draws from history, mythology, and the enduring power of creativity. The album was released on May 09, 2025, via Karisma Records, and features six tracks ranging in length from just over three minutes to more than twelve. Each piece unfolds as a distinct chapter, yet all are united by a conceptual thread centered around the symbolic oak tree “Den Gamle Mester” near Krødsherad Prestegård, also celebrated in a 19th-century poem by Jørgen Moe. This ancient tree becomes a metaphorical anchor for the album, embodying wisdom, endurance, and the passage of time. The journey begins with “Demring”, a roaring instrumental track driven by expressive keyboard arrangements and enriched by the graceful flute interventions of Ketil Einarsen. This opening piece fully immerses the listener in the album’s Progressive atmosphere, combining a reverence for vintage tones with a fresh, modern sensibility. The melodic flow and interplay of textures reveal a deep musical awareness, setting the stage for what’s to come. “Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin,” the first vocal track, sung in Norwegian as with most of Frøislie’s solo output, stretches beyond ten minutes and represents one of the record’s most dynamic pieces. Symphonic and complex in its structure, the track merges vintage instrumentation-classic analog keyboards, intricate rhythmic shifts, and soaring harmonic lines-with a narrative flair that recalls the golden era of 1970s Prog. Frøislie‘s voice moves confidently through the changes, supported by a meticulous arrangement that showcases both technical precision and emotional intensity. The title-track “Gamle Mester” follows, offering another deep dive into the artist’s singular musical vision. Characterized by long instrumental sections, dramatic tempo changes, and melodic elaboration, the piece reflects Frøislie’s mastery of composition. Here, traditional influences are interwoven with a highly personal and modern approach. The keyboards are, once again, at the heart of the experience-delicate yet assertive, drawing the listener into a sound world rich in color and detail. With “Medusas Flåte,” the energy remains high. Clocking in at just over nine minutes, this track begins with an energetic rhythm section and powerful, layered keyboards, prominently featuring synthesizers and Mellotron. The song shifts between vigorous instrumental segments and melodic vocal passages, where Frøislie delivers expressive, emotionally charged lines. The interplay between Symphonic elegance and rhythmic drive is expertly balanced, further reinforcing the album’s thematic and sonic coherence. “De Tre Gratier,” the album’s longest composition, runs for over twelve minutes and serves as its emotional and musical climax. It offers an expansive canvas where Frøislie explores the full breadth of his musical identity. A wide range of analog keyboards are employed not just as harmonic support but as solo instruments that carry the narrative forward. Echoes of the past – Gentle Giant, PFM, early Genesis-are filtered through a contemporary lens – with compositional fluidity and dynamic contrast that highlight the Norwegian artist’s signature style. The album closes with “Skumring,” the shortest and perhaps most experimental piece. Entirely instrumental, it builds gradually through a layered progression of keyboard textures, concluding the album in a reflective, almost meditative mood. A final nod to the conceptual unity of “Gamle Mester,” it reinforces the sense of cyclical time and enduring artistic presence. Throughout the album, Lars Fredrik Frøislie delivers a refined and emotionally resonant work that balances technical virtuosity with expressive depth. The unmistakable keyboard-led aesthetic remains central, but it’s the compositional maturity and the strong thematic consistency that elevate “Gamle Mester” to a standout release in contemporary Progressive Rock. Rich in symbolism, analog warmth, and narrative depth, this is an album that rewards repeated listens and demands full attention. A mature, sophisticated and deeply immersive work from one of today’s most inspired figures in Scandinavian Prog, “Gamle Mester” is not only a triumph, it’s a vital addition to any Progressive Rock collection.
Tracklist
01. Demring (5:01)
02. Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin (10:09)
03. Gamle Mester (7:17)
04. Medusas Flåte (9:08)
05. De Tre Gratier (12:27)
06. Skumring (3:13)
Lineup
Lars Fredrik Frøislie / Ludwig drums, Paiste Cymbals, Vocals, Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise spinet, Arp Pro Soloist, Arp Axxe, Solina String Ensemble, Tremoloa, Rhodes mkII, Wurlitzer 200, Recorder
With:
Nikolai Hængsle / bass guitars (Rickenbacker 4003, Fender Precision Bass, Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Telecaster Bass)
Ketil Einarsen / Flute, Recorder
