Kosmodome Premiere Ad Undas LP in Full; Out Tomorrow
Posted in audiObelisk, Reviews on October 10th, 2024 by JJ Koczan
Norwegian heavy progressive rockers Kosmodome are set to release their second album and first for Stickman Records, Ad Undas, tomorrow, Oct. 11. With it, they expand on the proggier side of their 2021 self-titled debut, as opener “Neophobia” — also the longest track (immediate points) at 8:41 — finds the band led by brotherly duo Sturle Sandvik (guitar and vocals) and Severin Sandvik (drums and vocals) prioritizing scope with an expanded reach in psychedelia and krautrock, guitar and vocals matching melodically in “Hyperion” in a way that leaves the listener less sure which is following which, and Ole Andreas Jensen‘s bass and Erlend Nord‘s guitar add to the sense of motion as “Hyperion” embarks on its purposefully-understated chorus for the second time.
“Obsternasig” ultimately works in a similar style of folk-informed classic heavy prog, but as Kosmodome subvert the longest-song-last genre norm (among others; that’s part of the idea here) and put “Neophobia” and “Hyperion” at the start, “Obsternasig” and the space-rock shoving “Dystopia,” which follows, can breathe as a result of “Neophobia” having already provided a summary of Ad Undas‘ scope. It doesn’t necessarily account for the sci-fi drama of “Dystopia” — which of course is about now — or the taut twists and jabs of “Turmoil” that writhe around subdued, sad verses, but focusing on immersion early lets Kosmodome have the flexibility later to bring disco-era funk into the bass and keys of “Turmoil” and to harness and subsequently blow up a slog in “Fatigue.”
It is in the patterning of the vocals on the intricate rhythms 
of the guitar (or vice versa) and in the patience of their execution that Ad Undas most displays the growth in Kosmodome‘s sound. I suppose in a word that would be “songwriting.” Fine. Kosmodome was hardly rushed, mind you, but the guitar is a little more willing to leave space around it, a little less busy at least on the outward impression, and when they launch into the jam on “Neophobia,” they sound like they’re there for a reason. And it’s true that you don’t get that in the same way on “Obsternasig” or “Fatigue,” but that’s because Kosmodome are making their songs with more than one purpose. On Ad Undas, each track feeds into the overarching flow and adds something new to the proceedings without taking away from what came before.
In this way, Kosmodome are able to foster a sound drawing from prog, psych, classic heavy, boogie rock and other various microgenres well served by the unhurried nod with which “Fatigue” is resolved, but not tethered to that nod as a crutch for songwriting that lacks variety or diversity among its influences. Kosmodome might dig on some heavy grooves, but there’s more happening in the songs than a riff parade, though parades are fun and if there was one, the ending of “Fatigue” would probably let you go. It wouldn’t be fair to call what they’re doing revolutionary, since homage is a part of the aesthetic, but Kosmodome‘s prog has character and charm beyond being well composed and executed, and one hopes the band continue to dive into their work with such individualism as their goal.
Ad Undas streams in its entirety on the player below, followed by more info from the PR wire.
Please enjoy:
The brainchild of the two Sandvik brothers, Sturle on guitars and vocals, and Severin on drums, Kosmodome’s music is riff-based rock with stoner elements all of which are placed within a progressive universe to great effect. Together, the duo bridges the gap between the explosive drive of bands such as Mastodon with melodic magic and retrospective, clever songwriting.
Hailing from Bergen, Kosmodome’s astonishing debut album from 2021 heralded the arrival of a melodic progressive powerhouse of a different stripe. While endlessly groovy, the band sidesteps the stoner genre by virtue of their sheer creativity, crafting extremely catchy but still unpredictable tracks topped by excellent vocals. With an explosive drive in which the melodious contrasts the hard and heavy music, Kosmodome came to blow minds with their psychedelic sounding, 60s atmosphere-coloured rock!
In recent years, the band has reached out beyond the Norwegian west coast and is now ready with their second full length album “Ad Undas”. On this album, they are less confined by genre expectations, but still sound like Kosmodome. Growing up with all types of music genres in a musical home from world music to metal is something the songwriting reflects.
Musically the record shows what else lives inside the progressive universe Kosmodome are building, where one/the goal is to avoid being stuck in genre expectations. Seeking a more dynamic and melodious sound than earlier, the songwriters – brothers Sandvik, but appearing as a stellar four piece live band – still deliver an album with heavy riffs, aggressiveness and many surprises.
Lyrically it delves into personal struggles with self-doubt, the pressures of societal expectations, and the existential battles of modern life. The songs touch on different aspects of the human condition, from the fear of failure and the need for growth to the turmoil of modern living and relentless self-exertion in a chaotic world. Ad undas is a Greek term meaning “to the waves”, but in Norway it is used as an expression when everything goes “to hell” or fails (everything goes south).
Kosmodome have played concerts on different stages in Norway and abroad, and are ready for more live performances after a studio hiatus in 2023 working on their much-awaited, second album, “Ad Undas” , set to be released on Stickman Records on October 11, 2024!
“Ad Undas” Tracklist:
01. Neophobia
02. Hyperion
03. Obsternasig
04. Dystopia
05. Turmoil
06. Fatigue
Kosmodome is:
Sturle Sandvik – guitar/vocals
Severin Sandvik – drums/vocals
Ole Andreas Jensen – bass
Erlend Nord – guitar
