MYTH OF EARTH

Here is a band that is new to me--from Norway--whose mundane blues-rock sound is uplifted throughout by nuanced performances of all instrumentalists, great sound engineering, and, most of all, by the tremendous talent and instincts of lead vocalist Aleksander Vormstrand. Definitely in the running for newcomers of the year, Aleksander may be deserving of vocalist of the year!

1. "Natteravn" (4:55) grungy, dirty, dark, dank, and haunting in a Post Rock/ULVER kind of way. The singer here sings not unlike Ulver's Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg. Powerful but could use more development and nuance (like the vocal screams in the final minute). (7.5/10)

2. "Hjertedød" (3:55) Wow! What a voice! Reminds me of the late Robby Wilson (AUTUMN CHORUS). To go from a haunting, almost folk/religious sound and feel into the stoner rock that it ends up in is remarkable. (8.5/10)

3. "Myth Of Earth" (5:21) lots of spacey background sounds droning away in support of the organ and slowly played drums in the opening 45 seconds leads to a spacious foundation over which that amazing voice of Alexsander Vormestrand sings (and then sits back whilc Hein Alexander Olson takes over and wails away his bluesy lead guitar tones.) Vocal and music here sounds a bit like countrymates SEVEN IMPALE or Finnish wunderkind Petri Walli, from KINGSTON WALL, slowed down by heroin. Simple enough song construction raised up by some great individual contributions! One of my favorite three songs on the album. (9/10)

4. "Breathe In The Air Like It's Fire" (5:26) simple, basic opening which builds into a pretty chord progression over which Aleksander issues forth another magical vocal performance. Both the verses and the chorus have some absolutely beautiful technical and melodic conveyances. A top three song for me. (9.5/10)

5. "Kyss Mine Blodige Hender" (3:53) with a bit of grungy, distorted edge to it, this song could fit well onto an album by DUNGEN or MOTORPSYCHO. Different vocal approach by Aleksander here, as he sings in a lower octave than previously and warbles his long notes in a way that is kind of reminiscent of early ELIZABETH FRASER (Cocteau Twins). Nice song. (8/10)

6. "Fish" (3:42) all blues, this one, with piano and echo-percussions and classic blues guitar sounds before Aleksander enters. Then, after his first verse, the band bursts out into a kind of ERIC CLAPTON/YARDBIRDS/LED ZEPPELIN chorus section. Organ joins in as Aleksander raises the bar of force and emotion ten notches. Aleksander definitely the power of a great blues rock singer like ERIC BURDON. (8.5/10)

7. "Fallvind" (10:15) in spite of its proggy length, this song happens to be the proggiest song on the album. Post Rock guitar, folk keyboard flute sounds, John Wayne sample at the opening, and folkie ROBBIE WILSON-like vocal, the song develops into a great prog epic--one of my favorites of the year! My final top three song. (9/10)

Four stars; a wonderful addition to any prog rocker's album collection--and a band (and individual) to keep your eyes and ears on. What potential!