The Norwegian Progressive Rock band WIZRD after the good work we have already reviewed in our pages, returns with a new album. Entitled “Elements,” it will be released on December 06, 2024 via Karisma Records and contains 9 tracks ranging from 2 to over 6 minutes in length. The opener “GT, Me & My 6610” immediately immerses us in the elaborate and intense sounds of the album, with refined guitar and keyboard interlacing and a solid rhythm section. The vocals are dynamic and expressive, alternating between male and female vocals with more energetic stanzas and engaging choral refrains. A dynamic, fresh and modern track with that personal touch that characterises the band’s style. A bombastic keyboard intro opens “Mesmerised,” evolving with an intricate rhythm section and technical interplay between keyboards and guitar. The tempo changes are an added value to the song, with a dynamic and expressive vocal that interprets the lyrics with intensity. A track that brings classic Progressive Rock sounds into a modern context, with that retro touch and a hefty dose of the band’s personal style. Refined and quality ideas characterise this fine piece that enhances the band’s compositional and performing technique. “The Void” features an intro with choral parts and softer, more melodic sounds, and then in a musical crescendo develops into a complex prog track with intricate passages. The rhythm section is elaborate, with very technical drumming, the guitar ofrre solo cues in the instrumental section, with all the elements of the band enhancing their individual and group technique. An intro steeped in electronic sounds opens “Fylkesvei 33,” with Space Rock influences in the sound and a refined use of modulations and effects. On top of these layered, hypnotic melodies, an enveloping vocal and solo guitar interventions and electronic keyboard sounds are inserted. The intensity increases as the minutes go by, and in a constant musical crescendo the drumming speeds up and the Space and ew Psychedelic elements are more pronounced. Cleverly the band contaminates its sound by exploring outside the Classic Progressive Rock. Granitic guitar riffs and a more Rock oriented sound characterises “You’re Exposed!” with a gorgeous keyboard sound. A fine mixture of heavy sounds with a modern touch and Progressive textures, showing another facet of the band’s sound. The interweaving of Heavy passages and melodic openings is interesting, offering an excellent mixture of guitar and keyboards and a sound that is both granitic and elaborate at the same time. The album’s shortest track “!!!” is a concentrate of elaborate keyboard and guitar interlacing over a frenetic and intricate rhythm section. Remarkable organ work and the complexity of the theme impeccably composed and performed by the band. Keyboard and piano sounds open “Fire & Flames,” the longest track on the album, which opens with a delicate Prog sound with a dreamy atmosphere. It returns to more classic sounds of the genre with references to the masters of the 70s but in a modern key with personal traits. The vocals are warm and expressive, alternating with intense instrumental sections with keyboards and guitar in evidence. In the second part, the song evolves, increasing its inetnsity and incorporating more Heavy elements and offering a beautifully crafted organ solo. The album ends with “Kaleidoskop,” a soft and delicate track that opens with guitar arpeggios and evolves with symphonic sounds. The choral vocal adds passion to the track, which leaves us wanting to listen to this excellent album again in the future. An album that confirms the good things previously heard from this band, skilful in constructing elaborate and always engaging tracks. Solid rhythm sections, dynamic and very expressive vocal parts and refined and refined keyboard and guitar textures. A recommended listen for all lovers of modern Progressive Rock sounds with excellent interweaving of intense vocal parts and elaborate instrumentals.
Tracklist
01. GT, Me & My 6610 (3:55)
02. Mesmerized (4:52)
03. The Void (3:26)
04. Fylkesvei 33 (6:12)
05. National Day (3:04)
06. You’re Exposed! (4:04)
07. !!! (2:03)
08. Fire & Flames (6:31)
09. Kaleidoskop (3:08)
Lineup
Hallvard Gaardløs / Bass and Lead Vocals
Karl Bjorå / Guitar and Vocals
Vegard Lien Bjerkan / Keyboards and Vocals
Axel Skalstad / Drums
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