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  | WOBBLER ~ HINTERLAND
KARISMA 208 (Barcode: 7090008312086) ~ NORWAY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2021
This is a reissue of the debut album by Norwegian Prog group WobblerFind albums by this artist, which was recorded by a quintet lineup, which included guitarist Morten Andreas EriksenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Lars Fredrik FroislieFind albums by this artist, bassist Kristian Karl HultgrenFind albums by this artist, drummer Martin Nordrum KneppenFind albums by this artist and vocalist Tony JohannessenFind albums by this artist, as well as four guest musicians. The album presents four original compositions, including one lasting almost half an hour, two lasting well over ten minutes and one brief introductory track, all written by the group members.
Although the group had prepared material for an album, written in 1999, before the debut album was recorded, when the offer form the American label Laser`s EdgeFind albums on this label to release their music arrived, it was decided to write completely new music for the debut album. The group returned to the early material, giving it a “second chance”, when they recorded their second album.
Wobbler, like many other Norwegian Prog groups, explore the original sound Prog, which developed in the early 1970s, and often sound remarkably similar to Prog forefathers, completely skipping the dreaded Neo-Prog doodling. The music on this album shows more Classical / Early Music / Medieval Music references than the debut, as well as some hints of Heavy Metal, but it is a classic Symphonic Prog at its best, which nobody can deny ;)
The music is remarkably melodic, with the intrinsic Nordic melancholy well incorporated, but more energetic and harder sounding elements are also present, creating a fascinating continuity and remarkable coherence, which make this album a delightful sonic experience. For experienced Prog listeners, especially those well versed in the original Prog period, this album certainly rises fond memories and a worm familiarity.
Prog, or rather the core of Symphonic Prog, to which this music belongs, it an intrinsically limited genre, and as such operates mostly within pre-destined limits, which allow little flexibility. Wobbles certainly manage to stretch the limits of the genre to the max, and their superb melodic and harmonic capabilities are certainly outstanding.
Overall, this album and its two successors (“AfterglowFind albums with this title” and “Rites At DawnFind albums with this title”), all recently reissued, are a superb Prog triumvirate, which can be warmly recommended to all lovers of the genre. They proudly represent the Norwegian Prog scene, which is certainly alive and kicking, in parallel to other Scandinavian Prog scenes. Great to have this available again!
| | Updated: 03/04/2022Posted: 03/04/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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