DAWN OF OBERON

Tusmørke is one of the most creative and mysterious bands in the Norwegian prog scene. They mix Nordic folk with psychedelia, Canterbury , and progressive rock, with a unique twist that makes them stand out. Their music has a quirky charm that makes it fun and interesting to listen to.

On their Bandcamp, the band shared that Dawn of Aberon had been in the works for a long time. They added two new members in 2022 Kusken on drums and Herjekongen on keyboards and quickly began shaping this album. Dawn of Aberon grew from jams and rehearsals, and even spawned a sequel called Dusk of Tawblerawn. Though Kusken left the band after eight months, he still helped record the album before his departure.

In my opinion, Dawn of Aberon is Tusmørke's best album so far. The keyboard work is fantastic, bringing in a variety of instruments that feel fresh but still fit together perfectly. While their past albums relied heavily on the Hammond organ, this one brings in Mellotrons, Mini Moog Taurus pedals, and electronic drum pads. Together with their usual folk instruments like flutes and recorders, these additions make the music feel even more magical and otherworldly.

Most of their lyrics are in Norwegian, but their recent albums feature more English, making their music more accessible to listeners outside Norway. The way they blend complex rhythms, electric guitar bursts, and folk roots creates a sound that's both traditional and experimental. You can hear influences from bands like Focus, Egg, National Health, and early '70s Krautrock, but Tusmørke's sound is unique and hard to compare directly to anyone else.

Dawn of Aberon is a conceptual dark fairy tale. It's a journey through old forests with Oberon, the fairy king, leading the way through beautiful melodies and strange, eerie sounds. The themes of nature and mysticism are always present but never too over-the-top. The lyrics can be cryptic at times, but they keep a playful tone that makes the album both smart and fun.

The production is also worth mentioning. The album has a vintage, analog feel that adds to its old-world charm. The arrangements are layered, keeping things interesting even during the quieter moments. Sometimes the pace slows down, but this gives the listener a moment to breathe before the music picks up again.

The album artwork, created by Norwegian artist Sverre Malling, is stunning. His detailed, creepy mystical designs match the album's themes perfectly and make the visual side just as captivating as the music.

Overall, Dawn of Aberon is a great mix of folk, prog, and psychedelic rock. The record is worth the time and money, especially for the title track?a brilliant 18-minute masterpiece. The album is awesome and fun to listen surrounded by that special aura of the band.

The band on this album includes Benediktator on bass and vocals, Krizla on flute, electronics, and vocals, Herjekongen on synths and keyboards, and Kusken on drums.