The Witches Of Finnmark
Apollon, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Witches Of Finnmark
A re-release of his 2017 debut solo album, Anders Buaas pens an instrumental, prog-rock fueled listen that surrounds the witch trials and persecutions in Finnmark in the 16th and 17th century.
“Mystic Mist”, the shortest song on the record, starts the listen with warm, reflective guitar paired with a gentle, ambient background, and the title track follows with dense, pounding moments that are heavy on drums alongside waves of calm beauty.
“Gand” and “Bitter Wings” occupy the middle spot, where the former swirls with both plugged and unplugged guitars making for mysterious melodies and a firm buzzing, while the latter relies much on the rich and meticulous guitar playing that can chug with intensity and cautiousness.
The last track, “Til Ungdommen”, finishes with a distinct dreaminess that comes with cinematic qualities and well timed drumming for the dynamic album highlight.
Buass has an impressive resume that includes being a touring guitarist for Paul Di’Anno (Iron Maiden) and Tim Ripper Owens (Judas Priest), and his solo work is certainly some of the most creative and progressive sounds that exist today, as evidenced by this strong first album.
Travels well with: Pixie Ninja- Hypnagogia; Strange Horizon- Skur 14