Magic Pie is back, with a brand new album, Maestro, which will be released by Karisma Records on May 16, of 2025. Maestro is Magic Pie’s 6th studio album. They are a modern prog masterpiece in themselves. Magic Pie is a Norwegian progressive rock band formed in 2001, known for their intricate compositions, symphonic arrangements, and blend of vintage and modern influences.
Magic Pie is made up of: Eirikur Hauksson, on lead vocals; Lars Petter Holstad, on bass and backing vocals; Martin Utby, on drums; Erling Henanger, on keyboards and backing vocals; and Kim Stenberg, on guitars and backing vocals.
The mission and concept of Maestro, is “Follow your vision, fulfil your dream” . The band says, “We are proud to announce the release of our 6th album, – titled Maestro. It is our hope and belief that “The Pie Army” around the globe will once again recognize our sound and style. As for the three previous Pie albums with me on vocals, Kim has composed the music and I have done the lyrics and the melodies on top of it. But Kim has his saying on the melodies and sometimes he has some parts already written out. To me, the essence of our co-work lies in the fact that he knows his Prog while my main influence is heavy metal, along with some flirting with “The Beatles” and “maestro” David Bowie. This creates something unique (I hope) and gives us a special approach within the prog-rock industry. I have even managed to squeeze in a Beatles title in one of our songs, – look for it!”, says Eirikur Hauksson.
The album opens with a massive epic, “Opus Imperfectus Pt.1 – The Missing Chord”. It is an over 18 minute album concept storyteller. It is full of Eirikur Hauksson’s, Ian Gillian like vocals, those wonderful keyboard designs from Erling Henanger, and some amazing lead electric guitar playing from Kim Stenberg. However, it opens like a true opus; with an almost 2001 A Space Odyssey – like theme, full of orchestration and movie soundtrack level sound. Then, the guitars and keyboards take over, weaving a new melody with purpose. The xylophone like keys are an amazing touch near the opening of this opus. The drumming from Martin Utby is absolutely spellbinding. Then, they break into this almost, “Miss America” themed melody, before Eirikur Hauksson’s first vocals, “I heard music of unknown dimensions. Notes were flying with passion. Then near silence. I found him by his piano staring. The Maestro. “I have to let it go. My times run out. But there was one missing chord”. The Maestro has created a superb symphony, but cannot find that missing chord to make it all complete. The rest of the song discusses how the Maestro, who is famous for his productions, cannot seem to feel complete without that missing chord in his finest opus. Eirikur Hauksson’s telling of the story in Gillian-vocal perfection is worth the price of admission alone. Innovative bass notes from Lars Petter Holstad, tie the melody to the beat well.
“By the Smokers Pole”, is a much shorter and different song. It is more of a rocker. Like the AAOR rock Deep Purple played along with their prog. It opens with a broadsword electric guitar chord. Eirikur Hauksson sings, “Don’t tell me. Just show me. Words can only say so much. I am addicted to your devotion. You raise me up each time I stumble through your door”. It starts off as a much quieter song. It develops slow with passionate lyrics regarding the love of music shared between a Maestro and his apprentice. Powerful lead guitar solos and keyboards help electrify this song.
“Name It To Tame It”, is a grinding electric guitar monster, full of lead electric guitar, bass and drums at its opening. Eirikur Hauksson really turns on that Ian Gillan vocal sound for this one. A no nonsense, ‘get the job done’, instructional, lyrics – driven, panther of a song. The keyboards in the middle are absolutely innovative and wonderful. The lead electric guitar ‘jungle of chords” that follows and closes the song is absolutely incredible.
“Kiddo…”, has a slow and windy beginning to it. It starts slow, with flute like sounds and soft acoustic guitar, before Eirikur Hauksson rejoins and continues the story. The band adds choir-like vocals with Queen-like harmonies to the mix on this, just over 2-minute, track.
“Someone Else’s Wannabe”, is the band’s latest single. It opens with some dramatic keyboards, before the electric guitars and drums join in. Eirikur Hauksson calls to mind, Styx’ Grand Illusion, as Hauksson brings more Gillan vocals sounds, and choir-like additional vocals. A solid rocker full of vigor. There is a supporting music video which explains the story of the song well. Then, Erling Henanger brings out the Hammond keyboards and all bets are off. With Kim Stenberg’s electric guitars joining in on a dual of instruments, you, the listener are the winner.
“Everyday Hero”, opens like a rockin’ rambling song. Full of grinding electric guitar and Eirikur Hauksson’s vocals, “I’m a near survivor. As a nine to fiver”. It is one of the most memorable lines on the album. The rhyming lyrics on this song, help it to achieve best song on the album levels. You can almost hear the fans and Magic Pie’s live audiences repeating that chorus, already. Erling Henanger’s keyboards near the end of the song are some of the best keyboard sounds on the album.
“Opus Imperfectus Pt.2 – Maestro”, is the album closer. It opens with echoing electric lead guitar. Eirikur Hauksson sings the closing lyrics of the story. Erling Henanger’s keyboards also stand out well on this epic closer. The choir-like vocals that surround the soundscape, give tribute to this great music developer and designer of music; the Maestro!
Maestro reminded me so much of Deep Purple’s Perfect Strangers. Not because of the subject matter, but because Eirikur Hauksson’s voice sounds so much like Ian Gillan, on that album, during that era of Deep Purple. No, Maestro is not as memorable as Perfect Strangers; with its epic title track and the classic hits, “Knocking at Your Back Door”, “Under the Gun”, “Hungry Daze”, “Mean Streak” and “Nobody’s Home”. But Maestro has its own fine moments. The opening opus is one I would listen to repeatedly. I am sure, “The Pie Army”, is already printing up t-shirts to accompany their voices on the chorus of “Everyday Hero”. “Someone Else’s Wannabe” and “Name It To Tame It”, would fit well on many of Deep Purple’s best albums. If you are a classic Deep Purple fan, this album will be celebrated and enjoyed for years. So don’t be a mere survivor, be a nine to fiver and celebrate the Maestro with some Magic Pie!
Album Tracklist:
- Opus Imperfectus Pt.1 – The Missing Chord (18:29)
- By the Smokers Pole (04:19)
- Name It To Tame It (07:10)
- Kiddo… (02:12)
- Someone Else’s Wannabe (07:34)
- Everyday Hero (05:10)
- Opus Imperfectus Pt.2 – Maestro (04:17)
Maestro is mixed by Jacob Holm-Lupo and mastered by Rich Mouser. Maestro was written and arranged by Kim Stenberg. It was mixed by Jacob Holm-Lupo. It was mastered by Rich Mouser. Rich Mouser, who tragically lost his home and studio in the fierce fires in the Los Angeles area some few weeks back. The band received the new album delivered from Rich just 2-3 days before the fire. They got lucky, but the band’s thoughts were with Rich. The band all agrees that Rich Mouser has been such a big part of Magic Pie’s success. The band would also like to extend a special welcome to their new drummer Martin Utby, who the band agrees has given them new energy with his energetic playing. Vocals were arranged by Eirikur Hauksson and Kim Stenberg. Lyrics written by Eirikur Hauksson. Artwork and design by Kim Stenberg. Maestro was produced by Kim Stenberg.
The band also announced, “May I add a little secret? For our seventh album we have already recorded all drums, plus most of the bass and guitars. It´s coming… it´s coming soon !!!”
Live dates scheduled for Magic Pie’s Maestro Tour – so far!:
• 21/3 – Månen Kulturhus, Fredrikstad
• 22/3 – Olsen på Bryn, Oslo
• 4/4 – Cruise To The Edge, Fuego del Caribe
• 17/5 – Minnuendo, Navarra, Spain
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/MagicPieOfficial
https://www.magicpie.no/
https://magicpie.bandcamp.com/album/maestro
https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/magic-pie/?srsltid=AfmBOoqBjfMa2N8IC77KQ2tIW81O0aUJtJ2LdCcGrqvx0CD_GMuKbrXJ
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@MAGICPIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJnoxZe3z5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYjgDG23YPY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEqb1q_7av4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3zEPiwdqsE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EclehFTi0eQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzdvk8DYzJE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s72KXSg8doo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLF5BMCgJm8