Above Symmetry

“Ripples”, the debut album from the Norwegian metal quintet ABOVE SYMMETRY, is available for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music.

Over one year ago, five young musicians from Skien, Norway, made a very impressive entrance into the metal world with their debut album “Ripples”, released under the band name ASPERA by no one less than progressive top label InsideOut Music. Media across the globe replied positively with numerous excellent reviews for “Ripples” throughout 2010 and the band built up a great following, not only in their home country. Unfortunately, the promotion activities and consequently also the coming live plans had to take a break, when it turned out that the band was in need to change its name due to unforeseen technical reasons.

Anyhow, the transition is done: They will be now known as ABOVE SYMMETRY and we can now finally present you the launch of the re-release version of the acclaimed “Ripples” album (including three special additional audio tracks and a video clip enhancement as bonus), out on April 25 all over Europe (one day later in the U.S.).

It is every band’s nightmare to change their name and start all over again. “It’s just one of those things,” says ABOVE SYMMETRY singer Atle Pettersen, “but it’s not something that we’re going to let get to us, or to detract from what we do. It’s unfortunate, yes, because we were doing so well under our previous name, getting such good reviews and things, but you’ve just got to shrug your shoulders and carry on. It’s the same band with the same musicians — all that’s changed is the name. And at the end of the day it’s our music that counts!”

ABOVE SYMMETRY lineup (left to right in photo below):

Robin Ognedal – Guitar
Nickolas Main Henriksen – Keyboards
Atle Pettersen – Vocals
Joachim Strøm Ekelund – Drums
Rein T. Blomquist – Bass

In the meantime and while things seemed rather silent for the five-piece group, the band’s energetic front man had entered the “X Factor” Norwegian TV show/contest, which was broadcasted with large national buzz in the end of 2010. Despite the massive amount of competition in talent shows such as this, Atle was runner-up on the show’s finals, a testament to what a great singer and performer he is. “I never expected to do so well,” he commented after the results were announced. “It’s been a lot of hard work but a lot of fun though, and the publicity surrounding the show has also been helpful in raising the band’s profile in our home country.”

With this perspective, and more interesting news to come soon, it looks like 2011 is shaping up to be a busy year for ABOVE SYMMETRY…at last!

ABOVE SYMMETRY‘s debut full-length album, “Ripples”, was recorded in their home-studio in Skien, Norway, and later on mixed and mastered to sonic perfection at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden by Jens Bogren, who has previously produced bands such as OPETH, PARADISE LOST, HAMMERFALL and SYMPHONY X. Bogren was obviously impressed by the potential of the young musicians and comments on “Ripples” as follows: “The debut album from these guys is one of the best progressive metal albums I’ve heard in a looong time! Since 1992, to be exact! It was an honor helping the band getting the album the way they deserve.”

Furthermore, the album features Nils K. Rue (PAGAN’S MIND) on background vocals and comes with now slightly upgraded artwork created by Gustavo Sazes (FIREWIND, ARCH ENEMY, DREAM EVIL), visually enhancing the basic concept that “every single action has a consequence, either on a personal or global level,” which is what connects all lyrics and the album’s title.

“Ripples” album re-release track listing:

01. Intro (1:30)
02. Ripples (6:33)
03. Do I Dare? (5:31)
04. Remorse (6:21)
05. Between Black & White (8:12)
06. Catatonic Coma (5:44)
07. Torn Apart (4:58)
08. Traces Inside (7:51)
09. Reflections (2:03)
10. The Purpose (5:58)
11. Trails Of Clarity (5:42) *
12. Traces Inside [Edit] (4:13) *
13. Ripples [Edit] (4:48) *
+ Traces Inside [Video-Clip Enhancement] (4:20) *