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Kornmo — Svartisen
(Apollon Records ARP063, 2017/2022, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2022-07-26

Svartisen Cover art

Svartisen was Kornmo’s first recorded concept album, self-released in 2017. After the success of their 2021 release Fimbulvinter, Apollon Records chose to reissue Svartisen and make it available to a wider audience. Integrating folk music themes with roots in the 70s, Svartisen (or Black Ice) is a delight to the ears. The trio of Nils Larsen (bass), Anton J. R. Larsen (drums), and Odd-Roar Bakken (guitar and keyboards) have been making music together in various forms for almost 50 years. When their previous band Morild disbanded in 2015, they were left with a head full of musical ideas, themes, melody lines, and a home studio full of guitars, keyboards, and analog synths. The result after two years was Svartisen. Not having any knowledge of Norwegian, I am somewhat at a loss as to the concept of Svartisen. Judging by the cover art, I am guessing that it may be related to a meteor crashing into the tundra, but I could be all wrong. I was able to translate some of the track titles with Google Translate, which gives a sense of a frozen land, storms, and wind. Be that as it may, the lyrical instrumentals transport you to your own personal sonic realm. The eleven tracks segue seamlessly from one to the next, like one long piece of several movements. Acoustic guitar, piano, melodic electric guitar, Hammond organ, bass, and drums interweave leaving you breathless as the final note fades away. A perfect example of music transcending language barriers. Highly recommended for fans of symphonic progressive rock.

Filed under: Reissues, 2022 releases, 2017 recordings

Related artist(s): Kornmo

More info
http://kornmo1.bandcamp.com/album/svartisen

 

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