Heart of The Woods (Sykofant, 2026)

Norwegian prog rock band Sykofant released their "Leaves" project in two virtual EPs: "Red Sun" (2025) and "Leaves" (2026) and a single final physical release. Let me say that both installments are beautiful, full of well found melodies, unpredictable changes and skillful solos. This is my favourite track from their second EP, the final song. It's simply perfect in its own, fascinating way. Acoustic and electric instruments, perfect vocal harmonies (a foursome choir is credited), rhytmic shifts and robust guitar solos are just a few of this 16-minute track's highlights. 

                                                                A Fairy cover, isn't it?

I like the way they merge their own ideas with many '70s and '80s influences spanning from Yes to Pink Floyd and from neo-prog to prog metal. Such a diversified palette brings to a refreshing, personal, lively interpretation of the deepest progressive rock roots. They have a stunning way to create sonic worlds and to exploit all instruments' tones to enrich each and every mood shift. Highly recommended, IMHO.

Kontraster (Jordsjø, 2025)

Here you are another Norwegian brilliant band, progging away between pure symphonic rock, folk hints and some experimental, even dissonant moments. Jordsjø released their first album in 2015 and this track comes from a 2025 split record including this Jordsjø's title track on vinyl version side A and another side-long track by Breidablik, an electronic prog project by Morten Birkeland Nielsen on side B. "Kontraster" ("Contrasts", in English) does as its title says and offers an awesome variety of moods, arrangements, instruments and musical ideas. 

This is the second joint venture of Jordsjø and Breidablik.

It is a rather low tempo collection - maybe a suite - of inner reflections and by such a rich palette you could hardly guess that  Jordsjø is formed by just two musicians: multi-instrumentalist Håkon Oftung and percussionist Kristian Frøland. Be as it may, this duo leads the listener through a fantastic and unpredictable trip, flowing very deep inside their souls (our souls, I daresay). It is an enriching and entertaining listening, something you won't easily find nowadays.

Between Air And Water (Sykofant, 2024)

"Sykofant" is the self titled debut album of a Norwergian band I immediately appreciated for their perfect balance between classic and innovative prog rock. "Between Air And Water" is their leading single and also a beautiful way to get into their musical world. On first listen, one falls in love with Emil Moen's and Per Semb's guitars, undoubtedly two skilled and sensitive performers reminding me the early Pink Floyd's mood and Wishbone Ash's double guitar work, all with a modern, eclectic twist. 

Sycofant's debut album cover art.

Then a more careful listening unfolds the stunning work provided by the rythm section, namely drummer Melvin Treider and bass player Sindre Haugen. Not only they supply an accurate but never repetitive background, but they also prepare the amazing tempo changes giving to the track an even more progressive texture. Please note that prog rock acts without keyboards are not so common and it's always a daring job, but Sykofant perfectly worked it out!

Rytter av dommedag (Lars Fredrik Frøislie, 2023)

 As many of you surely know, Lars Fredrik Frøislie is the keyboard man from Norwegian band Wobbler (see elsewhere in this blog) and a proud exponent of symphonic prog revival. This 16 minutes song comes from his 2023 album titled "Fire Fortellinger", meaning "Four Tales" and aptly consisting of four tracks. I chose this Rytter av dommedag (meaning "The Rider of Judgement Day") as a good specimen of Frøislie's vintage but never derivative music. 

Four tales, four images... it all falls into place!

It is, of course, an outstanding display of keyboard-based music with a helping hand from Nikolai Hængsle's bass guitar, while Frøislie also plays drums. It sure is in the wake of classical masterpieces from the '70s, but it has its own atmosphere, well balanced between classical music, folk hints, mildly jazz passages and rock flares. As everything goes through relentless changes, you can't possibly get tired by this musical whirlwind and by the beautiful themes Mr. Frøislie creates. Fairy, suspended passages introduce unexpected storms, devilish solos open on beautiful, peaceful melodies. In one word, this is prog!

Space Cowboy (Gazpacho, 2020)

Gazpacho refined their own kind of prog all along their career, mixing atmospheric mood, some majestic arrangements and bits of heavy rock from time to time. They're always enjoyable and highly professional, but you need more to set up a beautiful song. And when they find these bonus ingredients they really are perfect to me. The "bonus" are, of course, good melodies. You'll find at least two in this suite titled Space Cowboy and coming from the 2020 album Fireworker. And that's not all. 

Another beautiful cover art by Antonio Seijas. 

The band master here some interesting (and sometimes dangerous) elements like a powerful choir and a strong diversity between the track's different parts. Both these peculiarities demand a solid sense of proportion, but Gazpacho have the experience and the right taste to succeed in such a task. That's why this suite flows like a beautiful river passing through many different landscapes and growing more and more stimulating each time you listen to it. The lyrics about the hidden animal insinct inside men (the concept of the whole album) and the way this human trait goes through eras and generations adds some more food for thought. What else should we ask?

Solens Sirkulære Sang (Jordsjø, 2019)

Jordsjø are another fine example of symphonic prog made in Norway and with a folky twist... the way Scadinavians know so well. Håkon Oftung, the mind behind this band, is a skilled multi-instrumentalist and a talented songwriter, the latter being a quality not to be underestimated, if you ask me. This "Solens Sirkulære Sang" (meaning "The Sun's Circular Song"), taken from the band's fifth studio album "Nattfiolen" ("The Night Violin"), fully represents the colourful and varied palette of Jordsjø's musical world. 

This beautiful artwork is by Sindre Foss Skanke.

Tempo changes, loosely folk roots, a pastoral sound provided by Hammond, Mellotron and flute, beautiful guitars and a stunning grand finale too! The perfect blend of soft and dynamic moments in this song shows an accurate search for unexpected solutions and brilliant atmospheres and a special taste for unusual song patterns. The vintage sounds are never artificial, on the contrary they are so fresh and genuine that they add the final flavour to such a tasty delicacy.

Merry Macabre (Wobbler, 2020)

Wobbler surely are one of the most interesting bands worldwide when it comes to classic prog and vintage sounds. Their 2020 release titled "Dwellers of The Deep" is worth its promising title and includes this 19 minutes song, an amazing journey through different progressive references and styles. Not only this track is full of good musical themes, mood changes and irregular tempos, but it's also a technical tour de force, thanks to the band's instrumental skills and the song's daring architecture. 

                                                        As usual, a wonderful cover!

Even if Wobbler follow well known musical tracks, they mix them up in their own original way and - what's more - seem to enjoy what they're doing. That's why the listener is fully involved in their devilish rythms, intricate vocal harmonies and atmospheric breaks. I especially like the piano driven sections, actng as respite and launching the following sections. Wobbler really dwell in the deepest rooms of music and there's a yellow brick road leading to their beautiful house somewhere in the centre of Progtown. 

Stifinner (Jordsjø, 2019)

Norway is home to a good deal of symphonic rock bands. Jordsjø's core line-up is a duo, namely Håkon Oftung (vocals and keyboard) and Kristian Frøland (drums), backed in their 2019 album titled Nattfiolen (the  lesser butterfly-orchid depicted on the CD the cover art) by five more musicians... including two keyboardists! "Stifinner" (meaning "pathfinder") is a pastoral-oriented song with louder Mellotron riffs and a lot of acoustic passages including beautiful flutes and acoustic guitars.

I also happen to like this beautiful cover art...

 

As usual with Jordsjø, the Seventies smell is strong and enticing, flowing through folk roots and symphonic arrangements. I like the melodies and the mood changes, and the Norwegian lyrics add a Nordic atmosphere to such a beautiful mix. Last but not least, even if there are several quiet and dreamy passages, you'llfind here a dynamic and creative drumming, an uncommon feature in pastoral tracks.

Know Your Time (Gazpacho, 2015)

Since the early 2010s Gazpacho evolved from a mellow and captivating mix of pop and prog to a darker and somehow spiced post-progressive sound, including moments of ethereal beauty and a rich, even ethnic choice of instruments. This song, taken from the album "Molok" is a good example of this phase of the band's career. Arcane sounds and solid guitars surround the vocals by Jan-Henrik Ohme, much in the style of Marillion's Steve Hogarth.

Another fascinating cover. I really like the colours here.

The mood changes are very well done, especially when a tight line gets a wider breath, or when an acoustic passage follows electric ones. That's why I like "Know Your Time" and its unpredictable stream of creative music. I won't even try to explain the tricky theories about God and ancient religions behind this track and the whole album, but I confess I love the way Gazpacho approach such a challenging concept keeping their feet well on the ground.

Avskjed (Neograss, 2012)

Prog rock is the land of contamination, as we all know, and this Norwegian band is a perfect specimen of such a musical graft. More than this, Neograss promote an unusual and promising blend including prog, of course, and bluegrass, a specially rich and joyous kind of country music. As you can imagine, their Scandinavian origins also provide a bonus atmospheric element.

"Overtru Fra Yttersia" is the fourth studio album by Neograss.

This track, "Avskjed" (meaning "Goodbye"), opens their 2012 album titled "Overtru Fra Yttersia" (that's "Superstition from the Coast") and is a beautiful example of both traditional and modern prog, with all the good old ingredients we love, plus a chamber orchestra and a fresh, lively rythmic addition of folk instruments, especially willow flute and banjo, both played by Emil Bekkevold. Surprising and enthralling, this is real prog, folks!

Path of Your Dream (Aunt Mary, 1973)

Aunt Mary are one of the oldest (and most interesting) Norwegian prog rock bands and this track comes from their third studio album "Janus", released in 1973, during their fully progressive phase. The lively intro with its keyboards / guitars interplay states the symphonic nature of the track and of the entire album. The melodic sung section also has a folkish taste in the wake of the best Scandinavian traditions, but I'm especially impressed by the finalrumental part, a real treat for any classic prog lover.

It's an impressive cover art, isn't it?

And if you decide to listen to the whole album, the following Beatles-like song is simpy perfect after such a pièce de rèsistance! Aunt Mary should have known a wider recognition for their work, but they actually had too many contenders back in the early Seventies. But they're back now and they deserve our attention, IMHO.

Pictures of Ages (Utopian Fields, 1990)

This track comes from Norway and was released by a rather obscure band called Utopian Fields, active between the late '80s and the early '90s. They were strongly influenced by Pink Floyd, nonetheless they mixed the Floydian spacey moods with other prog canons, setting up an enjoyable and vintage sound this "Picture of Ages" represents very well. It opens the album "White Pigeon, You Clean..." and lasts some ten minutes.

This was Utipian Field's second album. They disbanded around 1992.

The changes in tempo and instruments are excellent and the six musicians never try to rule the composition, so that it's a well balanced and richly arranged one. The dreamy atmosphere is broken here and there by stingy and acid passages, while the ballad-like sung themes are airy and sweet. I really like Utopian Fields' way of being traditional and creative, melodic and dynamic. Constrast is the key to good prog, after all!

Völuspá (Tirill, 2013)

Tirill Mohn (or simply Tirill) was part of Norwegian band White Willow, then went solo and recorded some highly evocative albums. This "Völuspá" (the title is the same of an ancient poem from the Poetic Edda) opens the album "Um himinjǫður" and is a sweet, charming trip in a fairy world. The acoustic background, the folk roots, the beautiful double vocals... everything here builds up a moment of musical perfection, a three minutes jewel.

"Um himinjǫður" was Tirill's third solo album.

 

Songs like this one are completely out of time and when they also have a strong and effective melody, then the listener is in heaven. I also appreciate the way Tirill mixed Norse legends and instruments coming from different Countries and cultures, conjuring up a world of her own and a magic we all need from time to time.

Natt (Thule, 1990)

This is the title track of the second album by Norwegian band Thule. Even if you can pick up here and then some hints from older prog acts, I think it'a a fully original kind of music with dark and energetic moments, many changes - especially mood changes - and aggressive mother tongue vocals. The final effect is that of a sharp and eclectic prog, suspended between symphonic elements and experimental sounds à la Magma.

Even the cover art has an original taste of its own...

The dynamic and intricate interplays support an arcane, even scary  atmosphere, so far from many Scandinavian pale and dreamy prog tracks. Surely an appropriate way to open an album and to capture the listener's attention. That said, the whole CD is worth a keen listening, IMHO. By the way, "Natt" means "Night" in English and I think it's a proper title for such a murky song!

Sounds That I Hear (Airbag, 2009)

Atmospheric prog has a very long and glorious history, from the late '60s pastoral tracks to Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson. Today, many Norwegian bands follow these moody examples and Airbag are among the most successful of them. "Sounds That I Hear" is likely to be the more optimistic song from the album "Identity", but it also exists as a two part mini-suite from a previous EP, released in 2005. The 2009 version, however, has a more coherent plot and surely sounds better, that's why I put it here.

"Identity" was the first full-length album by Airbag.

The sung theme is excellent, the intro is moving and the Gilmour-esque final guitar solo shines like the brightest pearl. It isn't easy to perform a seven minute slow tempo song avoiding boredom and redundancy, but this is exactly what Airbag did in this closing track... a dreaming way to say goodbye until the next time!

Death Room (Gazpacho, 2014)

As I might have written somewhere in this blog, Gazpacho are a constantly improving band and "Demon" surely is one of my favourite 2014 albums. It was difficult to choose the first song from it to put here, but "Death Room" is a three part suite and I'm partial to suites, as you may remember. As the rest of the CD, this is a diversified song, including rock, folk, melodic and pop elements. 

 

"Demon" was the eighth studio album by Gazpacho.

It's a rather dark song (well, there's a "Demon" concept, after all...) lining up soft and hard moods and a very rich rythmic texture with bass guitar and percussions at their best. Melodies are very good and the band knows how to exploit their themes, going in and out them and building up a coherent and riveting plot. More than this, "Death Room" creates an entire magic world and its good and bad characters through a stunning series of musical details and conflicting sounds. Last but not least, Jan Henrik Ohme's vocals are simply perfect. Well done, boys!

Strayed Again (Gargamel, 2006)

One of the most original ways to the 2000s prog bears the name of Gargamel, a Norwegian band mixing with care old sounds and dark atmospheres. This "Strayed Again" comes from their debut album titled "Watch for The Umbles" and is full of obscure singings à la Peter Hammill, brilliant rythms, claustrophobic passages, urban moods, experimental interplays and - last but not least - a good deal of acoustic instruments.

This debut album featured only five long songs.

Flute and cello,in particular, create intricate and unusual plots and when the track goes free jazz, here come sensitive drums and well played keyboards. So, "Strayed Again" lines up tricky instrumental sections and easier rocky riffs, quiet descriptive music and glorious walls of sound. And even Gentle Giant inspired intro and outro. Uncompromising, that's the word.

A Crack in The Ice Part I & II (Adventure, 2009)

Founded by multi-instrumentalist Odd Roar Bakken (playing mainly guitars and keyboards), this Norwegian act is another good example of the Symphonic revival of the 2000s. This "A Crack in The Ice", taken from the album "Beacon of Light", is split into two parts and is a blazing, enjoyable series of tempo changes, instrumental solos and theatrical, melodic sung themes. The vintage prog underground of the song is mixed with a heavy rock soul and a rock opera atmosphere, so that the big picture has its own dense and warm flavour.

Well... that's what I call an epic cover art!

Strangely enough, this suite opens on a fast-tempo basis, then it finds its own calmer and melodic path, on which the guitar and the keys perform alternate and beautiful solos. The lead vocalist has a powerful voice and the backing singers provide an extra energy that I appreciate very much. What else? The Great North strikes again...

Nostradamus (Mikromidas, 2001)

This is a band from Norway, and a very good one, IMHO. Sure, it's another case of vintage prog revival, but when such a task is accomplished with care and good taste it can lead to superb outfits, like the song I'm introducing here. The track itself comes from the album "Brennende Drømmer" ("Burning Dream" in English) and lines up a series of stunning "good old prog" solutions all along its 10 minutes or so. First of all, the Mellotron and assorted keys are great, opening the song and assuring its coherence until the very last second. A very well done work, Mr. Øystein Larsen!

 

It was the debut album for this Stavanger based band.

Then Halvard Jakobsen's and Ståle Leirtrø's guitars, gracing some of the best passages of the track, always keen and neat. The rest of the band also deserves the listener's attention and a special mention goes to Leirtrø's vocals, ranging from soft tones to high pitches and providing the right amount of emotions in both cases. In short, "Nostradamus" is another excellent choice for old progfans as myself.

The Gamer (The Windmill, 2013)

With two albums called "To Be Continued..." and "The Continuation", these Norwegian musicians seem to have a coherent project in their minds. Well, they actually do a very good mix of classic and contemporary prog and I like the way they arrange catchy tunes and more complex arrangements. When it comes to a long epic like "The Gamer", they also showcase solid organizing skills. The recurring themes, the instrumental variations, the way each instrument comes in and plays its role in due time, the keen succession of melodic themes and rock riffs, swing and neo-prog... all is in tune here.

This second Windmill's album features five tracks.,

all very good ones, IMHO.

The Windmill also know the importance of writing good lyrics and in this song deal with such a present-day theme as game addiction. The epic is divided into three parts and vocals are shared between Erik Borgen (Parts I-II) and Jean Robert (part III). That's an effective solution,IMHO, and after all these boys don't like rigid divisions when it comes to instruments and you'll often listen two guitars or two keyboards playing.  Another good reason to meet The Windmill.