Sykofant (Norway) for Heavy Prog

About the band: Soon after the initial musical drafts were formed, Sykofant became a band with the addition of Melvin Treider and Sindre Haugen. Melvin on drums, Per on guitar, Sindre on bass, and Emil on vocals and guitar. Their self-titled debut album was recorded in July 2023 at Chaka Kahn Studios. 

Debut Album Details: The quartet's self-titled debut album was produced and mixed at Chaka Kahn Studios in collaboration with producer Ole Øvstedal and mastered by Christian Obermayer at Strype Audio. 

Themes: The album lyrically explores existential themes inspired by the New Wave of science fiction and delves into themes such as time and alienation, as well as the search for meaning and humanity's relationship with nature.

Musical Influences: The album musically explores the heavy psychedelic and progressive rock aesthetics of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Hence, Sykofant draws inspiration from legends like Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Yes, and Rush. However, they also incorporate modern influences from bands like Madrugada, Opeth, Mastodon, and Porcupine Tree.

Musical Style: The band's music features groove, distortion, unconventional beats, tempo changes, dissonance, and genre blending. While they experiment with complex musical elements, they also provide moments of acoustic simplicity and familiarity. It offers a unique 55-minute listening experience without interruptions, transitioning through various musical styles seamlessly.

Album Release: The double-LP release by Sykofant on May 31st marks a significant milestone for the band after years of promises of a concert. The album promises an intricate musical journey that pays homage to the classic legends of progressive rock while injecting freshness into the genre.