The Flying Norsemen is a new Norwegian band comprising three original members of Atrabs In Aspic, and are produced by Jostein Smeby. The debut album “The Flying Norsemen” was released on September 20, 2024 via Apollon Records and contains four long tracks, 2 of which are over 10 minutes in duration. Opener “Norseide” immediately shows the inspiration for the sounds of the 70s, with a modern twist given by heavy psychedelia, stoner and more. A song developed with heavy guitar riffs intertwined with keyboards, the rhythm section is solid and very elaborate, full of tempo changes. Nordic atmospheres are marked in the sound, with vocals sung in the Norwegian language and enriched by effects that envelop the listener. Interesting solo guitar interventions in the second part of the track, then increasing the intensity and concluding with the last sung verses. “Lystens Begjær II” is the shortest in duration, despite exceeding eight minutes. Guitar arpeggios and a sombre atmosphere permeates the track’s intro, then developing the sound with a slow rhythm section and sophisticated keyboard work and modulations. The track increases in intensity, incorporating heavier elements given by guitar riffs and drumming accelerations. A granitic and elaborate sound, full of continuous tempo changes and fine guitar work, while the vocals are dynamic and incisive. The references to 70s heavy rock is present, but the band manages to bring it into a modern and personal context. The instrumental section in the middle section is interesting, moving the sound into more Psychedelic and lysergic territory. The only single taken from the album is the epic track “PoseidJohn,” over 12 minutes long and the longest of the entire work. The more atmospheric sounds of Psychedelia characterise the first part, with interesting guitar textures to which Space effects are added. The rhythm section moves slowly, with a deep, load-bearing bass line giving body to the track. In a constant musical crescendo, the band takes the sound towards a Progressive Rock with retro Scandinavian traits, in the most positive sense of the word. The guitar offers sophisticated solo cues, as well as tempo changes that allow for alternating instrumental passages and warm, expressive vocal parts. A track developed by exploiting the long duration and in its entirety to mix Progressive Rock and Heavy Psychedelia, enhancing the band’s compositional and performing technique. The album ends with “Lystens Begjær,” a track that is covered with doom metal-soaked sounds and gloomy atmospheres embroidered on distorted guitar riffs and a monolithic rhythm section. A powerful and gloomy track at the same time, proposing a mixture of Doom and Progressive Rock with vocal passages and atmospheres that are at times restless. Between continuous tempo changes, elaborate instrumental sections and superbly interpreted vocals, the track takes us towards the end of this excellent album.
Tracklist
01. Norseide (10:44)
02. Lystens Begjær II (8:38)
03. PoseidJohn (12:03)
04. Lystens Begjær (9:07)
Lineup
Anders Sprauten / Guitars & Vocals
Tommy Ingebrigtsen / Guitar
John Wærnes / Lead Guitar & Vocals
Terje Nyhus / Bass
Øyvind Grønn / Drums
