Not content to be a Winter Olympics powerhouse every four years, the space between is filled by a colossal fjord of incredible musical artists, most specifically within the progressive realm. Two Berg brothers are featured prominently, namely guitarist/vocalist Johnny Norman and Carl Fredrik, the keyboard man, ably assisted by a solid rhythmic crew of Magnus Charles Dossland Bjornstad and drum stool master Svein Age Lade Lillehamre (they each have four names because they have four tentacles). Debut album, so no preconceived notions nor any expectations, a situation that provides a clean slate to wander free and let the music decide. Though definitely on the more bombastic side of prog, clearly a concept on navigating the cruel seas and vast oceans, I am letting my hair down on this one, wherever the drakkar takes is fine with me.
“Blue Skies & Evidence of Things to Come (Chapter 1)” sets the ambitious mission onwards with a sombre intro, a whirlpool of striking cellos, forlorn narration and splashing waves, with piano tingling in the wake. The scorching upfront guitars steam full speed ahead, as the bass and drums initiate the route to be taken, ready for whatever nature brings, a compass and heartbeat in hand, and a distant siren seducing and beckoning the valiant to forge enough courage to resist any temptation. Exciting beginnings and a prefect set-up.
Sublime keyboards take the helm on “Mirador”, with austere orchestrations that temporarily hide the enormous tidal surge of overwhelming guitars that unfurl unchallenged. Inserting beams of sharp light into the storm, violins searching for salvation, warnings of imminent danger amid the rocky crags that the ocean hides in its endless ebb and flow.
Little girl narration and sweet piano, ‘the weather is perfect and the sky is blue’, the Starlette lament is a plea and a promise. “Lady Luna” maintains the subdued atmosphere, the cannonading drums mimic the sea’s infinite allure, and the high-pitched vocal is outright breathtaking. When the crushingly slow axe solo unfurls its sails, the paroxysm is reached due to a memorable melody that adheres immediately to the wet skin. Segueing into “Songs Only Sirens Sing” is so extraordinarily organic and absolute, the mind becomes embalmed in salty ocean spray, the gales turning into a breeze, the obscure sirens ahead perched on the stony bluffs. The intensity rises as the proximity dwindles, the unescapable power of nature in full regalia. Stunning cinematographic delight!
The titanic, effect-laden “The Hunt” is propelled by an unrelenting marine bass line, trembling strings, and enough flotsam and jetsam to sink an entire armada. Gradually, the raging surf reaches uncontrollable heights, the pace helter-skelter, clanging guitars clinging to watery riffs, mellotrons elevating the pursuit, a lead violin setting its sights on the hapless target.
Incredibly, there is never any victory ahead, as the grinding orchestrations ensure the most abysmal melancholy, on “Reflections Under a Starless Map (Chapter 2)” like a ‘barnacle clinging to a prayer, my breath a threat’, the narration impeccably expressing the angst of always sitting on the edge of silence. The scream says it all.
The oppressive title track combines all the elements that make this release a poignant affair. The captain always goes down with his ship, not as an act of tradition but rather one of defiance, as well as a tacit respect for the authority of mother nature. The second half institutes all the fury of swirling tsunamis, the iron clad guitars grating against the hull, aware that, in the end, silence will join the unseen.
“Goodbye Starlette (Chapter 4)” means only that the drowning sailor will not see his daughter again, he will never return to port, swallowed whole within a moment into the darkness of a watery grave. The scream of doom returns for a final plunge, before disappearing into the merciless void. The longest piece combines sonic snippets of waves, winds and worry. The swerving strings become a eulogy to those who have braved the intensity of depths, where nadir meets zenith, what was once up is now below. The piano plays the mariner’s tale, the effusive choir singing the praise of the valiant. What an emotional finale. Gulp!
A superb discovery, much more that I even hope for. Time for me to get out of these drenched clothes and have some well-deserved rum.
4.5 nautical skippers