Fans of Opeth, Riverside and Porcupine Tree must run to a record store and immediately buy AVKRVST sophomore album Waving At The Sky. Listening to Norway's best kept secret band's new album for the first time will leave you breathless for sure. And although this concept album is really dark - the seven tracks are inspired by a gruesome family tragedy about abuse - the fabulous music is absolute bliss to listen to! Preceding, the opening track is a punchy short instrumental, setting the tone for this impressive album, displaying keyboard walls, intricate guitar hooks and heavy bass guitar lines galore. The Trauma, being the second single of the album, is up next and this one features a spectacular instrumental intro packed with electrifying guitar riffing and emotional, heartfelt Steven Wilson-like vocals. The only thing that "spoils" this formidable track a bit are the growling vocals, but luckily these are used sparingly... by the way, check out the awesome soaring chorus of The Trauma which gives me goosebumps all over the place indeed. The lead single of this album called The Malevolent, features Haken's Ross Jennings and this shortest song of the album kicks off with an Iron Maiden-like drumbeat, evolving into an energetic rock piece which is almost radio friendly. AVKRVST surely saves the best for last as Ghosts Of Yesteryear and Waving At The Sky are the absolute highlights of this spectacular album. Waving At The Sky is a twelve minutes epic and truly has it all, as this one showcases the high musical level of Simon Bergseth (guitars, bass, vocals), Martin Utby (drummer, synthesizers), Oystein Aadland (bass, keyboards), Edward Seim (guitars) and Auver Gaaren (keyboards) for sure; check out the immaculate soaring instrumental outro!! Ghosts Of Yesteryear is my favourite track of the new AVKRVST album as it is a prog metal roller coaster featuring stirring guitar riffs, lots of tempo changes, an almost ethereal introduction, and the best guitar solo of the entire album for sure. Play Ghosts Of Yesteryear at maximum volume and you will be blown away by the bands musical power and brilliance. Waving At The Sky is a 100% powerful musical statement from one of the most creative rock bands around the world! An impressive prog rock/metal concept album with obvious comparisons with the likes of Porcupine Tree, Opeth and Steven Wilson, making Waving At The Sky an essential buy for all fans of progressive rock music. This new album will end up remarkably high in my top ten albums of 2025 for sure!! Listening tip: The Trauma, at maximum volume.... ****+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
