Mannsverk (Karisma Records, 2014)
Mannsverk is the fourth album by Norwegian progressive rock band Brimstone. The group has a crossover sound that combines golden era progressive rock from the 1970s with classic rock, psychedelia and even jazz fusion.
Brimstone recorded the entire album in its own studio, allowing the group to extend the musical pieces. The album opens with a succulent jazzy psychedelic piece. However, it’s not endless meandering. Instead, this and all the other pieces on Mannsverk are well crafted with splendid arrangements and engaging guitar and keyboard solos supported by a vibrant rhythm section.
The lineup on Mannsverk includes R. Edwards on guitars and vocals; Øyvind Grønner on keyboards and vocals; Thomas Grønner on drums; and Truls “Biff” Eriksen on bass. Keyboardist Øyvind Grønner uses an impressive collection of keyboards, including original vintage organs, pianos, mellotrons and synthesizers. His style recalls Dave Greenslade’s work as well as Echoes-era Pink Floyd.
The group was originally called The Brimstone Solar Radiation Band, but later shortened its name to Brimstone. Two friends, guitarist and singer Rolf Edvardsen and bassist Truls “Biff” Eriksen formed the group in Bergen, Norway, in the late 1990s. Even though their background was in heavy metal and pop music, their new sound focused on psychedelic progressive music.
Inspired by King Crimson, 13th Floor Elevators, Pink Floyd, The Soundtrack of Our Lives and Supergrass, Rolf Edvardsen and Truls “Biff” Eriksen joined forces with two brothers, Thomas Grønner (drums) and Øyvind Grønner (keyboards/guitar).
The first Brimstone studio recordings was “Going Out EP” released in 2002, which included the radio hit “The Magic Dragon.” Three full albums followed, “Solar Radiation Band” (2004), the country-influenced “Solstice” (2005) and “Smorgasbord,” a recording made in 2009 that featured a wide range of electric and acoustic musical instruments.
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