Trollringen
Apollon, 2025
9/10
A prog-rock artist with an affinity for instrumental music, Norway’s Anders Buaas is joined by Tim Condor, Bjørn Riis, Rebecca Nøsterud Isaksen, Rob Shepley and Gethyn Jones, plus others, for these 10 diverse and meticulous tracks.
“Prologue” opens the listen with Miriam Kjølen’s smooth voice alongside Buaas’ flowing guitar and warm keys in a folk influenced setting that’s strong on ambience thanks to Dakota Holden’s pedal steel, and “Opening Credits” follows with Buaas handling guitars, bass, keys, drums and percussion alongside Tazzy’s bright beats in the animated climate.
The title track lands in the middle and recruits Joakim Biondi’s cozy piano and Steinar Børve’s well timed soprano sax for the 8+ minutes of creative prog-rock, while “Sunrise” offers a bright and energetic burst of cinematic ideas that has Buaas playing everything.
Near the end, “The Last Drop” is just guitars and percussion via a rhythmic bout of playful songwriting, and “End Credits” exits with melodic riffs, atmospheric keys and graceful percussion via the lush finish.
Perhaps best known for instrumental music, the songs with vocals are exceptionally well done, and this rock, folk and jazz hybrid continues his progressive vision with incredible precision.
Travels well with: Whispers Of Granite- Liquid Stone; Frank Hammersland- The Ocean Sleeps Alone Tonight