When “Wheels Within Wheels”, the third full-length album from MEER hits the streets on the 23rd August, fans of the band will be able to hear a piece of work that represents a significant evolution for the Norwegian progressive pop outfit, with eleven tracks that reach soaring heights, interspersed with moments of quiet reflection.
But, since its release is still over a month away, Karisma Records have released a second single from the album to assuage everyone’s curiosity. The track chosen is “Chains of Changes”, a song filled with evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melodies that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience and offers a poignant reflection on the transformative power of perception.
With its hauntingly beautiful melodies, ethereal instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics, “Chains of Changes” urges listeners to embrace their vulnerability and confront the inevitability of change. Something that is sure to resonate with audiences seeking solace in the midst of uncertainty.
Above all, “Chains of Changes” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic tapestry that MEER has meticulously crafted. It is a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly blend introspective lyricism with captivating musical arrangements, creating an immersive listening experience that transcends genre boundaries.
“Chains of Changes” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at: https://orcd.co/chainsofchanges
Recorded at Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023 “Wheels Within Wheels” saw MEER reunited with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid. With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:
01. Chains of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me to the River
04. Come to Light
05. Golden Circle
06. Today Tonight Tomorrow
07. World of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something in the Water
11. This is the End
The album itself comes in at a running time of just over an hour, and is undoubtedly MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date. It will be released in CD, Digital, and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:
Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-within-wheels
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders
Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, including Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drum.
With each individual band member contributing their own musical styles and interests in such a way as to complement and influence each other, MEER has succeeded in creating a sound that has become fascinatingly eclectic. And it is for this reason that “Wheels Within Wheels” promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.
MEER is scheduled to appear live at the following (more to follow):
- 21 July: Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley Amphitheater, Bornich, Germany – https://www.facebook.com/events/6575309745921403
- 8 Sept: Two Days Prog +1 Festival, Campo Sportivo, Novara, Italy
- 20-21 Sept: Pulterkammer Festival, Hamar Teater, Hamar, Norway – https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265
- 27 Sept: Hunsfos Rock Festival, Hunsfos Bryggeri og Destilleri, Hunsfos, Norway – https://www.facebook.com/events/730511715879709
“Golden Circle”, the first single to be released from “Wheels Within Wheels” is available at https://orcd.co/goldencircle and is accompanied by a video by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, moodily lit by Kåre Nordseth, which can be seen at: https://youtu.be/K9pQ1bz2c20
More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 