THE FLYING NORSEMEN – The Flying Norsemen

With a few original members of renowned prog rockers Arabs in Aspic in tow and a brilliantly designed album artwork, this is exactly the kind of thing that immediately caught my attention and let me tell you straight off the bat that I was not disappointed in the slightest by this self-titled effort of theirs. What we have here are four lengthy compositions that embody some of the best aspects of the genre’s glory days while simultaneously looking to the future as the band clearly have a sound and identity of their own.

With its 70s-influenced flavors, analogue feel, addictive melodies, and superb lyrics, the record immediately captures the imagination and stirs the senses, and there are plenty of clever twists and gorgeous riffs throughout that recall some of the greatest acts of the olden days but without sounding old hat. Arabs in Aspic actually serves as a rather apt example of an ensemble that covers much of the same musical territory as these guys do, and The Flying Norseman has all the right stuff and comes with several grand moments, proggy sensibilities, and psychedelically alluring qualities. This is exactrly the kind of thing that could make fans of stroner rock and early doom metal lose their minds as well, which is testament to how varied and consistently interesting the entire affair. I very much look forward to the follow-up. Should you need a teaser then the memorable epic that is “Lystens Begjær II” will serve that particular need. Highly recommended to lovers of prog, proto-heavy metal, stoner rock, hazy psychedelic rock, space rock, and even classic hard rock – it does not matter whether Hawkwind or Uriah Heep is your favorite band, just make sure you check The Flying Norsemen out.