Arabs in Aspic: Sorgens Kapittel

Norway's heavy proggers Arabs in Aspic return to Karisma Records with their 8th studio release Sorgens Kapittel. The album is released on what would have been the 50th birthday of the band’s longtime organist and vocalist, Stig Arve Kvam-Jørgensen, who passed away suddenly in 2025, and it remains a tribute to their fallen bandmate.

"Avgrunnen Kaller" just under 10 minutes long, is the opening epic, big thumping bass grooves and guitar riffs, haunting Mellotron, vocals in Norwegian, and well-done, intricate drumming, bluesy lead guitar licks, great first half of the song! However, the 2nd half of the track is kind of a waste, though, as it mostly features the band talking in the studio, tuning their instruments, and playing Mellotron. Could have been killer! "Lokale Sagn og Mytteri" is up next , and at just under 2 minutes is a tad too short but nicely done. Drums are killer, tasty lead guitar, and some haunting organ. "Satanisten" follows, crushingly heavy doom metal with evil vocals. I would have loved for this to be 4-5 minutes more of this, but again way too short at just over a minute long.

Up next is "Kompisen" , very melodic soaring prog, but again too short; it goes back to themes from the track before it. "Nudisten" is quirky, with elements of Frank Zappain spots, especially on the vocals and the zany keyboard sounds. Would love to hear more of this style from the band! "Syndenes Magi Del II" delivers more heavy doom with big, booming riffs, spacey leads & keys. Love the mix of creepy organ and doom riffing. Killer track! It's followed by "King Size Brynje" which features Jon Lord-style Hammond organ once again combating doom riffing. Another highlight track!

From there, "Pentagram" is up next, with drums and percussion as the stars here, along with eerie vocals. Plus more heavy organ. "God på Dårlig Stemning" follows, another short piece I wished was longer...serious Heep vibes here with the organ , heavy guitars, and multi-layered vocals Another short track "Det er Deg!" is quite groovy and heavy...killer but needs more! "Lyset" is psychedelic prog....fun stuff! Love the electric piano and whistling! More please! Closer is "Siste Dans" , the less heavy sibling to the opening track, with the same break in the middle for talking and tuning nonsense.

3.75 out of 5...I want to rate this higher as there is some great stuff here, but I feel like many of the songs are too short, and almost unfinished, and there is time wasted throughout.

Track Listing
1. Avgrunnen Kaller 09:30
2. Lokale Sagn og Mytteri 01:49
3. Satanisten 01:07
4. Kompisen 00:51
5. Nudisten 02:22
6. Syndenes Magi Del II 06:53
7. King Size Brynje 04:38
8. Pentagram 02:25
9. God på Dårlig Stemning 01:43
10. Det er Deg! 01:11
11. Lyset 01:29
12. Siste Dans 09:04

Jostein Smeby / guitars, vocals
Stig Jørgensen / organ, vocals
Erik Paulsen / bass, vocals
Eskil Nyhus / drums, percussion

Released October 21, 2026

Added: November 8th 2026
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 2
Language: english

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