Here at Nine Circles we go on and on about the Norwegian metal scene thanks to teeny, tiny signifiers like the birth of second wave black metal and labels like Pelagic leading the post-metal charge. But did you know there was, and is, a massive progressive rock scene there, too? It’s true; even Bandcamp thinks so! If I’m not here writing about trad and stoner metal, chances are I’m chasing down prog by the likes of bands like Wobbler and Tusmørke. But out of the crop of fresh blood peeking out across the country Sykofant has been one of my favorite bands to don the tag. Too many bands forget the “rock” part of the genre, content to rest on the laurels of the 1970s UK pioneers who built the genre. Sykofant never forget, and their new EP Red Sun is another testament to that fact.
Three tracks in 23 minutes, Red Sun is actually one half of a new album, with the second part coming out later in the year. Both halves will join together like Voltron into one mighty full-length, and if the interconnected nature of this EP is any indication, it’s going to swing like one massive track. The bravado and creative spirit is most certainly present, and only coming a year after their debut which I wholeheartedly loved it feels like the band is practically spilling over with fresh ideas.
Opening track “Ashes” is as good an introduction to the band as any. Conjuring the reds and browns of the desert that adorns the cover art (strikingly painted by Lars Kvernberg) it’s filled with odd rhythms and syncopations, some blazing guitar work, and an overall vibe that might have you thinking stoner rock more than progressive rock. You’ll probably also be thinking of that MASSIVE bass tone from Sindre Haugen; it’s a monster, and the way it subtly shifts between the rhythms is a marvel.
From there it’s on to the space-esque, Pink Floydian title track, and the way the band can quickly shift from progressive stoner to more psychedelic rock demonstrates another great facet of Sykofant: their facility with musical language is superb. As are their songwriting chops: I loved the lengthier tracks on their debut, but there’s a confidence on the songs here that speak to a far more mature band than one who is only working on their second release.
The EP closes with “Embers” and as the heaviest track the progressive heavy rock, desert vibes and red and gold tones on the album art there are some distinct Mastodon notes in this here desert rock rose, though it soon settles into a a more reflective pace, really showing off the band’s proficiencies. Everything I loved when I discovered Sykofant is present and accentuated on Red Sun. If this is just the first part of the eventual full-length, I cannot wait to experience the whole thing.
— Chris
Red Sun is available now independently (via Sycophantastic Records) on Bandcamp. For more information on Sykofant check out their official website and social media pages.