Verdsmannen, that’s the name echoing in my ears for the past week, and it’s no wonder. As I always say, Norway has become a pro at exporting heavy and obscure metal, or Viking folk music, but has forgotten its heirs in other genres with many more years to tell stories. However, my curiosity to discover what lies beyond the names quoted at Eurovision and local festivals continues to ignite the need to find what lies beyond, and fortunately, in this case, I was found, and blessed be, for what lies beyond ends up being as refreshing and invigorating as one imagines. Well, we still see some mainstream pop gaining an audience here and there and some picturesque hard rock resonate, but that’s all the outside world has of musical Norway, but here is the “man of the world,” the literal translation of another of those hidden gems in these infinite fjords, presenting their latest release “Ver den som skin” released on October 12th via Nye Nor.
Originally called Verdsmannen Thorbjørnsen, this project band is led by Ketil Thorbjørnsen and a few ingenious musicians and crew who have reached their fifth release since 2018, quietly maintaining a first-class rock style with varied elements, without much juggling, but delivering quality entertainment straight from Sogn. The proposal here is clear: simplistic and accurate lyrics, themes that go straight to the heart, and a well-balanced sound that truly accompanies a fine wine like a silk glove.
And so, without much fuss, I begin my listening by diving into “Blårøyken” with its dirty guitars imbued with unexpected atmospheres, mysterious keyboards, and a delightful sense of simple, well-crafted music, with a mesmerizing solo that takes the listener on an intoxicating journey until “Alkislåt” where there’s bubbling drum, bass, and sax work, courtesy of Ørjan, Øyvind, and Karl. Ketil, for his part, possesses a very unique and performative singing style, very expressive, and I dare say it would be truly interesting to hear him sing in English at some point. It would probably reach a new level, but for now, I’m definitely happy to hear such ingenious performers still around. Norway has a genuine passion for music, and that certainly reminds me every second of this album of why music should be made. Touching, captivating, and enchanting.
We arrive at “Posen i gangen” immersed in an unexpected sonic blend that combines country rock with progressive notes and a taste of the past, a combination of Norwegian “heartland” and folk rock genuine. I’d say it’s a delicious appetizer for listeners of Bruce Springsteen and other top names in the genre.
Now it’s the turn of “Meir drit, som eg ikkje kjem på” with its slow, reflective blues rock groove, progressively throwing shit at the fan and bringing up bad feelings that should be left aside. I confess that I love how Verdsmannen evolves throughout this album. Don’t expect the kind of highly emotional thing, but rather passionate and human, to at the same time make you reflect but calm your inner demons, all carried by the wind in a delicate choral at the end. A sonic detachment sometimes necessary in life. And obviously, I don’t even need to mention that this review is far from being a technical musical reading for a small group of experts. This review delivers sensations to an audience thirsty for liberation and disconnection, and certainly in need of new energy that only music can achieve. That’s exactly what the following track will give you. “Hjerte” (Heart) follows the line of its predecessor on a solitary journey with simplistic guitars, angelic backing vocals, and a late-night feeling. But don’t give in to inactivity just yet. This band still has plenty of fuel left to burn, and “Nedgangstid” will put you back on the edge of your seat, combining passion with anger in crunchy riffs and fun, bouncing keyboards while the sax takes a high-level leap, accompanied by a band that seems to have been electrified. A delicious, fresh track packed with good, applause-inducing blues rock. And a big YES (JAAAAAA) this is genius, nothing new, but so absolutely well executed.
We approach the end of the album with “Timeglaset” a cadence and a confrontation, time is running out. A slow but emblematic track, it brings diffuse dark elements to chaos, war, time, and suffering. To the rhythm of touching sax lines, Ketil seems to release the suffering before “Dødsvals” closes the curtain on a delicate and moving piano solo that accompanies you to the exit, timeless, elegant, and classic. An album to play, to mark, and to transcend.
I certainly couldn’t end this review without mentioning the album’s opening title track, “Ver den som skin“, be the one who shines, with its harsh, dirty guitars aligned with a mature band and Karl’s pulsating drums hovering over Terje’s keys. It’s a vivid reminder of what you should take into life, the moving energy of an album made by locals, with local support, local musicians, local sponsorship, a local studio—proof that rock remains as burning as ever, even if encrusted in the bowels of these icy fjords.
I end this review eager to hit the road for my next road trip, because the perfect soundtrack has already been chosen.
Discover Norway, much more than meets the eye!
Rating: 10/10
TRACK LISTING
1 – Ver den som skin
2 – Blårøyken
3 – Alkislåt
4 – Posen i gangen
5 – Meir drit, som eg ikkje kjem på
6 – Hjerte
7 – Nedgangstid
8 – Timeglaset
9 – Dødsvals
LINE-UP
Ketil Thorbjørnsen – Vocals and guitars
Terje Norevik – Keyboards
Ørjan Lindborg – Bass
Øyvind Aga – Drums
Karl Seglem – Tenor Sax
Ketil Thorbjørnsen – Music and lyrics
Alf Magne Hillestad – Producer and co-arranger
Recorded at Hallibakken Lydstudio – August 2024
Tor Magne Hallibakken – Studio technician
Mixed by Bård Ingebrigtsen
Mastering by Espen Høydalsvik
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