Outside
Apollon, 2020
8/10
A very diverse project spearheaded by Tommy Sebastian Halseth (formerly of Griffen, Atrox, Manes), as Matterhorn he brings in much help to flesh out these very detailed songs that lyrically surround those who are left out, and there’s much melody along for the journey, too.
The title track starts the listen with bright jazz influences and Halseth’s smooth, soaring vocals that guide the synth and sax friendly climate, and “Aura Noire” follows with a calmer landscape where lap steel, violin and backing female vocals add much to the expressive and cautious setting.
There’s just 8 tracks included, and each one leaves an impression, including the mysterious “Aorta”, where a choir is recruited and is complemented by an orchestral slant, while “Last Page” emits a powerful and timeless presence of emotive rock on perhaps the most traditional song of the bunch.
“Oceana”, the album’s best, then finds a dreamy place to reside as strings, synth and piano add much to the beauty, and “Doden Og Meg” exits the listen and is the only song sung in his native tongue as ambience and warmth comprise the eclectic songwriting.
Often moody, sometimes with melancholy, and embracing artistic qualities into a prog-rock like approach, Halseth possesses a poetic inclination amid a very unique and inviting formula across this very compelling record.
Travels well with: Wudewuse- Northern Gothic; Brudini- From Darkness, Light