To Holmgard, and Beyond!

Should the phrase “battle metal,” for some unknown reason, cross your mind, let the name “Turisas” follow soon after. Finland based Turisas -- named after their homeland's ancient god of war – has risen above the novelties of folk metal and taken the best elements of the style to their own. Not in the least interested in dragons and wizards and such, Turisas digs deep into the history books for inspiration in their varying songs, specifically into those of vikings. Folky, but not aggravatingly so, Turisas builds an epic atmosphere of the might and power of the vikings and their historical battles and lifestyle, as illustrated by their 2007 release The Varangian Way (to the uninformed, Varangians were 9th and 10th century vikings who pressed south and east through what is now Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.) Suprisingly enough, however, their debut album entitled Battle Metal contained songs without mention to either battle or vikings.

Not satisfied with the screaming and roaring of so many metal bands before them, Turisas prefers a more orchestral approach, but is never without a brutal guitar riff (or the support of an accordion and violin, for that matter.) Vocalist Mathias Nygård has some great capabilities from roaring to a beautiful melodic narrative, the vocal aspect (as well as much of the composition for the band) is covered by a formidable talent. Guitars, bass and drums meld together to create a driving musical force, accented by polka and folk melodies and sounds. Don't let their comical appearance fool you! Turisas, unlike many other “folk metal” bands, has the ability to play folk metal without coming off as too much of a novelty act; an admirable feat in itself! Even with violins and the occasional accordion singing their way through a melody reminiscent of some old polka tune, the skillful rhythm work of the guitar and percussion keeps the piece from becoming too stagnant.

A major strength of this band not to be forgotten is the exquisite combination of instruments, vocals and the balance of each within the piece. Though the orchestral aspect of their compositions can become a bit much for some listeners, the pressure and build of the rhythm guitar and bass keeps the listener on track with the song and keeps them from being distracted by the almost theatrical history-telling vocal breaks. The staggering variety of their songs in itself seems enough to sell countless albums, as Turisas leaves little room for one to say all their songs just sound like typical metal. Breaks in tempo, key changes, and even changes in the meter and overall tone of the piece keep listeners engaged and interested.

Turisas, with the efforts of Nygård leading the way, has established themselves in the metal world as much more than a novelty act, and has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with by the standard laughable imitators with nothing to show but long beards and overdone drinking songs. 

In Memory of Richard Wright

A little over a week ago Richard Wright, most famously known for his work as the keyboard player in Pink Floyd, died on the 15th of September after a short battle with cancer.

The bigger part of Wright's career started in 1965. Wright, along with his college friends Roger Waters and Nick Mason founded the band The Pink Floyd Sound together with guitarist and vocalist Syd Barrett. They set off Pink Floyd's mainstream career with their debut album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", which is now hailed as one of the greatest psychedelic rock records in history. Only to go on and make even more critically acclaimed records in the 1970s like "The Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here" and "The Wall", just to name a few. Wright's role and importance is often one that the media tend to push back behind the other members of the band, especially behind Waters and Gilmour (Gilmour joined, and eventually replaced Barrett in '68). Nick Mason said last week that Wright often ended up being "the George Harrison of the group" since his contributions are frequently forgotten regardless of their massive importance.

While Wright is said to have had more impact on songwriting and more of a leadership status (behind Barrett), in the early years. It is his compositions in the middle years of Pink Floyds career that is really important. Wright's very unique jazz and neoclassic infused style ended up being one of the main trademarks of the band, his otherworldly and often ghostly and spiritual sounds are easy to make out. "Interstellar Overdrive", "A Saucerful of Secrets" and "Echoes", along with "The Great Gig In The Sky", "Us And Them" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" are all great examples of Wright's sheer musical brilliance. His playing is often what bridged the gap between the other sounds and instruments, in many ways Richard Wright was the binding force of the band's music and an important ingredient in pushing Pink Floyd from great, to legendary. None of the band's albums would have been the same without him (ignoring his brief split with the band after "The Wall"), and neither would the last 45 years in music.

Rest in Peace Richard Wright
Enjoy The Great Gig In The Sky..

... And Then I Still Said Yes To Sin.

Did you ever wonder what a hyperactive kid on 40 redbulls would look like? Wanted to trash your own home for no apparent reason? Or maybe the home of a friend? Or wondered what it would be like to really fuck at the same pace as rabbits? Don't worry, this record will help you accomplish all these magnificent things. Trust me. O.o

When Grand Island released their debut album "Say No To Sin" in the fall of 2006 they pretty much filled a missing link in norwegian rock all by themselves, the lack of "Freespirited Crazyies". With inspiration taken from almost every corner of the music universe its impossible to classify this band in a single genre (unless you want to put them under their own "hardsoul-bluegrass-disco" genre, which is where they classify themself). And you know what? You simply can't help going completely nuts to it.

To some people this record is a nightmare, to others it's a blessing. The reason is simple; this album is a giant circus that never stops going nuts, and you better be prepared to go crazy for duration of it 'cause other wise you wont last long. After all, "Energetic" is this record's middle name. There is always (at least) 3 diffrent styles of music playing at the same time, Espen Gustavsen's voice constantly keeps your head spinning and never lets you focus on anything but the music, and you really feel like you just stepped onto the most insane rollercoaster that ever existed.

What makes this album so interesting tho, is all its small but unique treats. The allready mentioned voice of Espen Gustavsen will grab your attention immidiately, but like everything else on this record his voice is hard to describe. However, if you can picture a rockabilly-god on speed that has just stumbled into the universe of gypsypunk-paced instrumentals, then i think you got the right picture. After that you'll start loving Jon Iver Helgaker's circus inspired keyboard plays, that somehow always manage to fit the rest of the music perfectly. And last but not least you'll notice that Espen's brother Pål is actually switching onto a banjo instead of his guitar from time to time, but still keeps rocking out just the same.

I'll be honest, this record doesn't sound like the salvation on paper. But don't be fooled, if you can handle the pace, then this is one of the greatest records this side of the millenium. After 2 years i'm still not sick of it.

Grand Island - "Us Annexed"