Wizrd to Release Debut Album Seasons Oct. 21
Having recently engaged with Orango‘s upcoming album, it feels inevitable that, when it comes to Wizrd‘s autocorrect-defying classic-heavy-informed, harmony-prone and patiently wrought material as represented by “Lessons” — the opener and first streaming single from Wizrd‘s Karisma Records debut, Seasons — that’s kind of where my head goes, but the difference of what Wizrd offer is down to the specifically prog take “Lessons” would seem to demonstrate. The band — who will release the album on Oct. 21, preorders now, blah blah — boast connections to the likes of Spidergawd, Krokofant, Soft Ffog, and in the production end, Jaga Jazzist, and if those names mean nothing to you, that’s your next week’s worth of exploration sorted, but while you’re here, you may as well check out the song posted below.
If you’re learning about who these people are and what they’ve done in the past and what they’re doing now, in other words, “Lessons” can be a good way to start.
And while you’re processing the emotional trauma of that play on words, I’ll direct you to the smoothly executed copy of the PR wire for refuge:
Norwegian Rockers WIZRD Reveal Details and Single from Upcoming Album Seasons!
Album pre-order/ pre-save: https://link.karismarecords.no/WIZRD_Seasons
Having learned their craft at the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim, WIZRD have completed work on their new album Seasons, and Karisma Records have today released the track Lessons from the album.
Lessons is a track that gives an insight into what we can expect from the debut album from this talented Norwegian quartet, consisting of Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) on keyboards and vocals and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) on drums.
The band’s Hallvard Gaardløs explains: “Lessons is somewhat the quintessential WIZRD song, at least for me. It is a good representation of what we intend to do on this album, mixing progressive and improvisational elements with rock & pop sensibilities. The lyrics are about the New Age movement, and the fact that I find it rather silly. I’m kind of just making fun of it all, comparing yoga to a sacrificing ritual for Satan. With that said, I practice yoga sometimes myself, so I guess that makes me a demon worshipper.. Oh well, why not! Hail Satan!”
The single Lessons can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services:
Listen + share: https://link.karismarecords.no/Wizrd_Lessons
Seasons itself, is set for release on the 21st October, and showcases how WIZRD are more than happy to test their limits with a sound that encompasses Rock and Indie to Jazz and Prog, whilst breaking a few rules along the way. The end result is a masterclass in how to produce a catchy album that is filled with beautiful vocal harmonies, stunning melodies, quirky jazz grooves and a rock’n’roll drive to die for.
Produced by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, Seasons was recorded at the Studio Paradiso in Oslo by Marcus Forsgren (BROR FORSGREN, JAGA JAZZIST) and Horntveth, and mixed by Bergen based musician and producer Matias Tellez (YOUNG DREAMS, GIRL IN RED).
With artwork by Steph Hope, Seasons will be available in CD, Digital and a Limited Edition LP in transparent magenta vinyl formats, and can now be pre-ordered from: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
Tracklist
1. Lessons
2. Free Will
3. Spitfire
4. All Is As It Should Be
5. Show Me What You Got
6. Fire & Water
7. Divine
8. When You Call
WIZRD are:
Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN and more) – bass/lead vocals
Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE and more) – guitar/vocals
Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG and more) – keys/vocals
Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG and more) – drums
https://wizrd.bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND
https://instagram.com/wizrdtheband
https://www.facebook.com/KarismaRecords/
www.karismarecords.no
