BERGEN’S CLOSE TO THE RAIN PROG FESTIVAL IN JUNE – FIRST BANDS ANNOUNCED

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BERGEN’S CLOSE TO THE RAIN PROG FESTIVAL IN JUNE – FIRST BANDS ANNOUNCED

LEPROUS AND AIRBAG AMONGST THE FIRST BANDS ANNOUNCED FOR BERGEN’S CLOSE TO THE RAIN PROG FESTIVAL IN JUNE

 

Close to the Rain, Bergen Prog Festival, is back with its third edition. This time in the excellent venue USF Verftet, one of the most renowned venues in Bergen. Verftet is known for hosting concerts with acts such as Devin Townsend, Steven Wilson, Swans, Opeth, Katatonia and Anathema, and is equipped with top of the line PA and acoustic treatment. Being literary by the sea, it is the perfect spot for Close to the Rain. A total of 8 band will fill the program spanning the 7th and 8th of June, and we’re proud to announce two of the giants from the Norwegian prog-scene: Leprous and Airbag

https://www.facebook.com/closetotherain.no/

LEPROUS
With a calendar filled with sold-out shows in Europe and North America, Leprous is quickly becoming one of the lead acts of the Norwegian prog scene. 2017 saw the release of their 5th studio album "Malina" to critical and public acclaim. Since then the band has been touring non-stop, filling venues in North and South-America, Europe and Asia. After a 4 year absence, Leprous is finally back in Bergen, headlining the Friday at Close to the Rain.

https://www.facebook.com/leprousband/

AIRBAG
Fresh back from the floating Caribbean festival Cruise To The Edge, AIRBAG returns to Bergen. This time with an exclusive set marking the 10 year anniversary of their debut album "Identity". On CTTR the band will perform the album in its entirety.

https://www.facebook.com/airbagsound/

OAK
Following the release of their second album "False Memory Archive", OAK has taken a big leap towards the front of the Norwegian prog scene. In addition to being booked to Close to the Rain, the band is scheduled to play Night of the Prog 2019, one of the biggest genre festivals in the world. With a sound that can draw references to acts such as Talk Talk, Pink Floyd and Steven Wilson, and boasting members of the Airbag and Bjørn Riis live bands, Oak is definitely one to watch!

https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/

PANZERPAPPA
…have since their formation in 1998 become an institution in the Norwegian prog-rock scene. Due out with their seventh album ""Summarisk Suite" on the 3rd of May, the band describes their music as "Progressive Rock with a friendly face", reminiscent of inspirational precursors such as Samla Mammas Manna, King Crimson, Henry Cow, Univers Zero and Frank Zappa, while at the same time sounding unmistakably… Panzerpappa!
https://www.facebook.com/Panzerpappa-112379508814650/ 

SWIFAN EOLH & THE MUDRA CHOIR
…is a new band from Norway, continuously busy discovering their unique kinds of brew, mixing elements of rock, jazz, psychedelic, progressive etc. Founded in 2015, the band just released the debut album "The Key" (2019) on Apollon Records Prog to great reviews.

https://www.facebook.com/mudrasiddhi/

THE WINDMILL
…is a Norwegian progressive rock band formed in 2001 in the outskirts of Oslo. Musically the band can best be described as symphonic neo prog, influenced by several bands from the golden years of the seventies, such as Genesis, Pink Floyd, Camel and others. The debut album "To be continued …" was released May 2010, and the followed up by "The Continuation" in 2013 to great reviews around the world. 5 years later, 2018 saw the birth of "Tribus" to great acclaim from fans and critics. In addition to seeing The Windmill at this years Close to the Rain, they can be seen at Summers End, the UKs longest running prog-festival.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Windmill-142175499160527/

Tickets available from https://www.ticketmaster.no/artist/close-to-the-rain-bergen-prog-festival-billetter/1010760