An introduction to norwegian rock
Norway has one of the worlds most famous metal scenes, but norwegian rock bands (with exceptions) struggle to reach the same level of commercial success. That’s a shame, because there really are some gems here that don’t get the attention they deserve.
So here’s some of my favourite norwegian albums right now, and why you should check them out.
Grand Island – Say No To Sin (2006)
One of the best albums ever to come out of Norway, and one of my very favourite bands.
Grand Island are so extremely energetic and playful, and they have a spontaneous creativity you will hear no where else.
Their second album “Boys & Brutes” is also very, very good, and holds their strongest single-tracks (like “Love in Decay” or “I am the Horizon”), but the first album is in my opinion the strongest overall. The production is also fantastic – the album is recorded live in the studio, which gives you this great band-feel and makes their sound really shine through.
I could go on and on about this band, but I think it’s best if you follow the spotify-link and find out what they’re all about for yourself.
spotify:album:0eHUaEid4XZoChi92yMqu5 (paste into spotify search field)
Motorpsycho – Little Lucid Moments (2008)
This is a fairly new aquaintance for my part, but if you’re norwegian, you’ve heard about them.
They’ve been through more genres than most bands – psychadelic rock, metal, pop, jazz, punk, even country.
But now they’ve ended up once again with their trademark high-energy rock with progressive elements.
The whole album is great, but the twenty-minute title track particulary stands out. Lacking a better
description, to me this track is their “Echoes”. The improvisational factor is deifinitely there, dynamics are incredible, and there’s a live-feel to the production which makes it sound so authentic and organic.
If you have twenty minutes, a pair of headphones and a sofa – you’ve got no excuse.
spotify:album:34Wrdc7f1yzwlDLtPdLuwl
Heroes & Zeros – Strange Constallations (2007)
Also one of my favourite norwegian bands, great energy, great sound. There’s some timeless songs on there, like the title track, “Into the Light” and “Oslo Fadeout”.
Their second album is also very good, but it takes a bit more time to digest.
spotify:album:2A1N2KoJ6cOulqlVjrOkUD