Sykofant
Self-Released, 2024
10/10
The Oslo rockers Sykofant make quite an impression on this debut, where the concept album came to life during the strict Covid guidelines, and the 6 lengthy tracks express a lot of detail and diversity surrounding the prog-rock template.
The animated and rich “Pavement Of Color” starts the listen with Sindre Haugen’s bass acrobatics and Melvin Treider’s exciting drums that complement the angular guitar work and gritty singing, and “Between Air And Water” follows with both soft and loud dynamics, as Per Semb’s meticulous guitar suits the textured haze.
“Monuments Of Old” and “Between The Moments” occupy the middle spots. The former carries hints of post-rock that are dreamy with color, and, eventually, hard hitting, while the latter swirls with a rare intimacy of beauty and power, especially thanks to Emil Moen’s thick guitar at the end.
“Forgotten Paths” is the last track, and it uses acoustic guitar and lovely singing from Moen, where rock ideas flow in and out of the pretty landscape.
An incredible first effort, we’re treated to grooves, distortion, jazz nods and funk bouts, as Sykofant prove themselves to be among the best of today’s prog-rock bands.
Travels well with: K’mono- Mind Out Of Mind; Arabs In Aspic- Progeria