THE TOWER

If you start listening to Motorpsycho with albums like Kingdom of Oblivion or The Crucible. Maybe The Tower, feel or sounds weaker in terms of progression. But if you start with The Tower, you'll see it as the beginning of a big turning point in their career. It's not where their journey begins, but it's a good place to start. You might discover the 'Tower' of sounds Motorpsycho built on this album.

The Tower is the first part of the Gullvåg trilogy and is heavier than their earlier albums, at least compared to the last 10 records. With this album, the band seems more confident in their playing. They mix elements from their past records like Let There Be Monsters and The Death-Defying Unicorn. The sound shifts between heavy, aggressive parts and softer, more thoughtful moments.

The Tower feels like both an end and a new start. It's big, exploratory, and full of different sounds. Even after almost 30 years, the band is far from predictable. On The Tower, with Tomas Järmyr on drums, they deliver a double album that is both ambitious and carefully crafted. Their influences range from Pink Floyd to heavy metal, with touches of Yes, Grateful Dead, and King Crimson. The album starts with the title track, which combines Mellotron-driven sounds and strong riffs. Bent Sæther and Hans Magnus Ryan sing in harmony, sounding like classic rock from C.S.N., but with a rawer feel.

The Tower shows a band that keeps evolving but stays true to their roots. It's heavy and progressive. Songs like "Bartok of the Universe" and "A.S.F.E." bring heavier energy, mixing the force of the 70's heavy metal with the surprises of early King Crimson. This mix of aggressive rock and complex prog keeps listeners hooked and often surprised.

The long track "A Pacific Sonata" changes the mood, bringing in a more calm, reflective vibe, that feel like a warm Scandinavian nights. The band's ability to switch between these moods shows their skill at creating dynamics, making The Tower a journey through light and dark.

One of the best things about The Tower is how, even with its wide range of influences?from soft to heavy?it never feels disconnected. Each song flows into the next, finishing with the epic "Ship of Fools," a song that captures the band's style: big, cinematic sounds that stay with you long after the album is over."

The Tower is a great record well produced with a great sound. It serves as a strong opening for the upcoming trilogy. Perhaps The Tower is the weakest album of this trilogy, but even as the weakest, it is still a masterpiece .

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