The Shores Of Oblivion
Apollon, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Shores Of Oblivion
The Bergen based ensemble Sonisk Blodbad return with a 4th album, and it expands on their prog-rock template with a more muscular sound that often points to the ‘80s with its electronica, the ‘70s with its psychedelic ways and the ‘60s via their krautrock nods.
“Sonisk Blodbad” starts the listen with a playful buzzing and electronic meets organic approach that’s prog-friendly in a sci-fi sort of way, and this formula continues on to the ominous and cinematic “Alan Vega 2.0”, which showcases acrobatic drumming.
The title track arrives at the halfway point, and emits much beauty with its cascading waves of dreaminess, while “Dark Clouds Passing By” recruits a subtle post-punk influence into its surreal landscape of electronic prowess.
“Aspik” and “Blue Triptych” exit the listen, where the former drones softly amid a minimal execution, and the latter spends 23 minutes mesmerizing us with its meticulous tinkering and balancing of space and texture.
On this record, Sonisk Blodbad consists of Niklas Rundquist, Nick Cash Goes Hard, Heidi Torsvik, Tord Litleskare, Haavard Tveito, Sam Fossbakk, Ulf Hussein Sufi Knudsen, Laurie Amat, Conrad Schnitzler, Wolfgang Seidel, Jan-Morten Iversen, Oliver Kersbergen, Steven Cerio and Italia Ruotolo. Together, they make music that will appeal to fans of Pink Floyd, Cabaret Voltaire, and Klaus Schulze, or anyone with an ear for the atypical in the area of rock.
Travels well with: The Tronosonic Experience- The Shadow Vol II; Major Parkinson- Night At The Library