Judging by the ecstatic response to the Norwegian quintet's debut album released by InsideOutMusic in June 2023, 'The Approbation', there are many people who recognise magic when they hear it, such as when 2023 WRC Award nominees Avkrvst (pronounced Aukrust) introduced a new force in Progressive Metal, and a fresh strain of artful heaviness that instantly chimed with the Prog community and beyond.

Indeed, at the age of just seven, Martin Utby (composer, drummer and synths) and Simon Bergseth (composer, guitars, bass and vocals), made a pact that they would form a band when they got older. And 22 years later they did just that! 55 minutes of music inspired by everything they grew up listening to, from Mew, Anekdoten and Porcupine Tree to Neal Morse and King Crimson.

Marketed for fans of both Opeth’s 'Deliverance' and 'Damnation' albums, this seven song/48 minute masterpiece was a constant for me personally over the next year or so and when news broke about them making their live UK debut on the first day of The ArcTanGent Festival in August 2024, our day returns from London to Bristol were booked in a jiffy.

Also comprising Øystein Aadland on bass, Edvard Seim on guitars and Auver Gaaren on keys, on that very wet Thursday lunchtime at Fernhill Farm one could not help being impressed by their too short opening set, complemented by the sound, lighting and vastness of the Main Stage, in front of an entranced, packed and appreciative crowd. We also had the pleasure of interviewing both Martin and Simon later backstage.

Described as a prequel, almost exactly two years after the release of their debut, the quintet released their second seven-track album, 'Waving at the Sky'. It was also described as their "most formidable album to date, that takes everything that was compelling about 'The Approbation' and pushes it further towards Progressive perfection." At the time, this inexplicably put the fear of God into me as I didn't want to be disappointed. Hence a weird reluctance to play the sophomore album instead of their treasured debut, albeit at an emotional time in my life, having just lost my Dad.

However, when the band recently announced this six-date European Tour, this thankfully made me revisit 'Waving at the Sky'. I was so glad I did, completely justifying its original praise, and consequently, if needed, adding further eager anticipation in seeing them kick off their tour tonight Downstairs at The Dome in London.

A cold ice soundcheck haze greeted the early arrivals, who had come from far and wide including Normandy, Lisbon and Sofia via North London! Indeed, only music has the power to pull together like minded people, and where else would you have been discussing pre-gig The Bayeaux Tapestry, how Sunderland became the Mackem's, as well as the latest mouthwatering gig itinerary from the London Prog Gigs Group?

Anyway, a healthy crowd had assembled by the time the band made their way on to the smoky stage, albeit very atmospheric, but unfortunately not conducive to our trusty photographer Ivan's snaps. Kicking off with the first two tracks from the latest album, as we peered through the mist, I realised how young these guys were. Immediately proving the old adage "If you're good enough, you're old enough!", the explosive instrumental 'Preceding' gave us initial taste of what was in store, with each band member magnificently contributing to its jarring time signature.

Following hot on its heels, the intro to 'The Trauma' produced more of the same, before Bergseth's delightful guitar solo and vocals stepped in on this solid album single with a tone very reminiscent of Opeth, as well as Simon's obligatory growl thrown in for good measure at the end. 'Isolation' took us back to 'The Approbation', with Bergseth's driving riff nicely countered by Gaaren on keys, as this badass track with both a Porcupine Tree and Mastodon vibe melted into another wonderful guitar solo and vocal from Simon, before Auver's frenetic keys outro.

Now switching one of his many pedals to acoustic, Bergseth then preceded to beautifully sing (in between a few more growls of course), one of my personal stand outs from their sophomore album, 'Families Are Forever', with further outstanding keys from Auver, as well as a to die for Gilmore-esque guitar outro from Simon. Eat your heart out David!

"All Good?", Bergseth teased the audience. The answer being a resounding yes from the guy standing next to me, who knew all the words to their second single from 'The Approbation', 'Arcane Clouds'. And I'm not ashamed to say that we had a bit of bonding moment both enjoying Gaaren's Mellotron and Bergseth's guitar and vocal on this exceptional anthem. Untangling myself from my new found friend, it was time to refuel, watching the soft Pop of 'Waving At The Sky's melodic 'Conflating Memories' from the safety of the bar.

Following another superb synth solo from Auver and a smooth vocal from Simon, it was time for Bergseth to take a well earned rest as tonight's brilliant special guest Ross Jennings of Haken took over on vocals on 'The Malevolent'. Indeed, the very likeable Jennings (who also sang the same catchy single on their latest album), injected some Rock star interaction to the proceedings, getting the crowd to joyfully sing along to the chorus.

The penultimate track aired this evening from 'Waving At The Sky' saw the dynamic 'Ghosts Of Yesteryear', the heaviest song on the album, inspired by Porcupine Tree, with its lush, beautiful parts, contrasting with hard hitting riffs and punchy drums from the excellent Utby. Perfectly building and seemingly segueing into the album title track, to be honest, given Seim's awesome guitar solo, Squires-esque bassist Aadland's delightful backing vocals, Gaaren's keys and Utby's pounding drums, I could have listened to that riff all night. 'Osterdalen', the short opening intro to 'The Approbation', then led us into their very first single from their first album, and an exquisite piece of Progressive Metal Rock, 'The Pale Moon', before closing out with their epic, fourteen-minute magnum opus title track, that brought back fond memories of ArcTanGent. Awesome.

A glorious evening was rounded off, given a very welcome early finish, with a chat with the band and Ross Jennings, as well as talking to all the happy punters who had hung around, one of whom was proudly wearing his ArcTanGent t-shirt. There was also one of those "you couldn't make it up" moments, where Ivan, despite his photographic lighting problems tonight, discovered that those fans from Lisbon shared the same surname De Mello, although with one less 'l'.

If you're by any chance in Germany over the next three nights, make sure you catch these guys on the final half of their tour. You won't be disappointed! And let's hope that this talented young band don't leave it as long to return to these shores next time. Skol!

Review: AJ
Photos: Ivan De Mello (with the extra l)