Set for release on the 6th December, “Elements”, the sophomore full-length album from Norwegian Rockers WIZRD, shows a band eager to build on their already genre-defying style, and expand into new directions.
But all those fans who have already taken the band into their hearts need not have any worries, because, the elements that make WIZRD what it is, will still be there. And how best to illustrate this? With the release of the single “Fire & Flames” about which the band have this to say:
Are we shooting ourselves in the foot when we choose the album’s longest track as the second single? Well, it’s possible! But still, it felt just right. We think “Fire & Flames” sums up “what is WIZRD” in a great way, it is in many ways the quintessential WIZRD song. It captures the calm, meditative and psychedelic nature of several of our songs, while the last half has the rawness, wildness and improvisation that we are perhaps best known for. Therefore, we felt that the song was an obvious single choice, as it represents the band and the album so well.
“Fire & Flames” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at: https://orcd.co/fireflames
Those who have already had a taste of what to expect from “Elements” in the shape of the recently released double single (available for streaming or download at https://orcd.co/nationalday), will also realise that WIZRD will always be a band that pushes boundaries, successfully blending all the more interesting aspects of rock, indie, jazz and prog. But this time they have taken it further, experimenting with new styles, going in fresh melodic directions, and adding both extended and condensed song structures to their repertoire.
Recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, “Elements” is an eclectic album, whose sound is cohesive and unified – an unmistakable trait in all of WIZARD’s work. It was co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, who are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”.
Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.
With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård, and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:
Bandcamp: https://wizrd.bandcamp.com/album/elements
WebShop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/wizrd
Track listing for “Elements” is as follows:
- GT, Me & My 6610
- Mesmerized
- The Void
- Fylkesvei 33
- National Day
- You’re Exposed!
- !!!
- Fire & Flames
- Kaleidoskop
WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.
More information about WIZRD can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WIZRDTHEBAND
A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, can be seen at:
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 