Caligonaut: Magnified as Giants

Norway is becoming much like Sweden in terms of quality music oozing out of its varied landscape. Caligonaut is one such band, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Ole Michael Bjørndal. For his debut album titled Magnified As Giants he brought some great musicians:

Kristian Karl Hultgren (bass guitars)
Andreas W.S. Prestmo (backing vocals)
Lars Fredrik Frøislie (Hammond organ, Mellotron, grand piano, synths, keyboards)
Iver Kleive (Church organ on “Hushed�)
Arild Brøter (drums and percussion on “Hushed� and “Lighter Than Air�)
Henrik Fossum (drums on “Emperor�)
Asa Ree (violin and backing vocals on “Emperor� and “Hushed�)
Stephan Hvinden (rhythm guitars on “Hushed�)

Magnified as Giants is an outstanding, retro inspired progressive rock album soaked with outstanding musicianship, accessible melodies and varied song dynamics between heavy and soft. There are psychedelic and folky sounds embedded in their sonic palette as well, only adding to the album’s varied approach. There are four tracks beginning with the fourteen plus minute epic “Emperor�. A piano and dramatic percussion begins the piece before the heavy guitar riffs are established. Some fine guitar soloing ensues followed by calm acoustic parts and stellar lead and backing vocals. The bass work is also noteworthy. “Hushed� begins with nice acoustic guitar work and twists and turns between heavy and light, focusing on some fabulous strings and fairly complex drum patterns. Another fine prog rock opus. There are two more tracks of equal weight, adding up to one stellar slice of progressive rock. Absolutely recommended.

An Apollon Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Emperor (14:35)
2. Hushed (10:43)
3. Magnified as Giants (5:46)
4. Lighter Than Air (19:34)

Added: December 21st 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 861
Language: english

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