Gamie Mester
Karisma, 2025
9/10
On this sophomore solo album, Lars Fredrik Frøislie plays many instruments while taking nods to the greats of prog-rock’s past, where the 6 detailed tracks unfold with unparalleled attention to mood.
“Demring” opens the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where pounding drums, animated keys, flowing winds and Nikolai Haengsle’s intricate bass weave in and out of throbbing melody, and “Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin” follows with expressive singing that suits the rich layers.
The title track occupies the middle spot and balances the meticulous rhythm section with Frøislie’s buzzing bouts, while “Medusas Flåte” is a thicker moment of hard hitting bursts amid harmonic singing that’s often lush.
“De Tre Gratier” and “Skumring” exit the listen. The former offers an intimate moment that bursts into busy and meticulous prog-rock greatness, and the latter finishes with a soothing and, at times, powerful dynamic that leads into dreamy minimalism.
The instrumentation here is incredible, and any and all fans of anything prog-related will be enamored with the mythology and history of the album.
Travels well with: Meer- Wheels Within Wheels; Ritual- The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1