Balderdom is Tusmørke’s 13th album. If there’s one thing you can expect from this Norwegian prog rock band, it’s that you never know what to expect. Their music contains unexpected twists and unusual combinations/alternations between rhythm and melody, among other things. The sound has a retro vibe, and Balderdom is no exception, although the sound is duller than expected. The (layered) vocals are sometimes wordless. Vocal parts are interspersed with extensive instrumental pieces. There are countless lovely details and jazz influences in the complex yet (relatively) accessible songs. In “Rerun of Forever (Stravinsky)”, there are moments when a flood of music comes at you. Some songs have a few “empty” seconds at the end, while “Vi er et kollektiv” is strangely cut off. ‘Lidskjalv’ is a well-constructed epic of over 21 minutes. The sound remains somewhat dull; the sharp, high (flute) tones create a strange imbalance.
Because the sound is more retro than usual, the contrasts and layers in the vocals and music are less prominent this time. This disrupts the harmony. It’s a pity, because “Balderdom” is made for lovers of complex prog.
(6/10) (Karisma Records)
Tracklist:
01 – Svensk drøm
02 – Balderdom (Tres Jolie)
03 – Rerun of Forever (Stravinsky)
04 – Vi er et kollektiv
05 – Lidskjalv