Norwegian guitarist and composer Anders Buaas draws inspiration from Sigurd Hoel’s novel Trollringen for his latest release on Apollon Records (2025). Although the album was not conceived as a concept work, the songs, written between 2019 and 2025, form a loose narrative that echoes the novel’s themes. Buaas invites listeners to create their own connections across the tracks.
Unlike his primarily instrumental catalog, Trollringen incorporates previously unreleased vocal material, giving unused songs a new context. The album also marks a shift in arrangements, featuring a live string section for the first time and a soprano saxophone appearance on the title track. Stylistically, the album combines progressive rock, folk music, cinematic passages and jazz.
All tracks were composed by Buaas, except for “Best I Can Be,” co-written with Paul Kappa. String arrangements are by Buaas and Rob Shepley.
The album was recorded at Gand Studio in Larvik, Solhell in Horten, and various project studios, with string sessions held at The Loft Studio in Liverpool and Gand Studio. It was produced by Buaas and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo. Cover design is by Kristian Kaupang.
Musicians: Anders Buaas on guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion; Steinar Børve on soprano saxophone; Henrik Madsen on drums, percussion; Rune Erling Pedersen on drums, percussion; Joakim Biondi on piano; Tim Condor, Tanya Wells and Miriam Kjølen on vocals.
Earlier recordings include: The Witches of Finnmark I (2017), The Witches of Finnmark II (2018), The Witches of Finnmark III (2019), Tarot (2021) and The Edinburgh Suite (2022).