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Jordsjø: Salighet
 What do you get when you toss Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, Cathedral, Anglagard, Gryphon, Wobbler, and Scandinavian folklore into a blender? Why, Norway's Jordsjø of course! Salighet is the band's fourth full-length album and could be their strongest effort yet. Featuring the duo of Håkon Oftung (vocals, guitars, flute, keyboards) and Kristian Frøland (drums & percussion), the music of Salighet again stresses a blend of classic '70s progressive rock, some of the more modern Norwegian styles, and a healthy dose of pastoral folk. From the opening Hammond organ & flute blast of "Invokasjon" to the intricate prog of "Sankeren", the listener is off to the races from the beginning here, taken then into folkier realms on part one of the title track, and then more intricate prog on the second, featuring nimble electric guitar, Mellotron, flute, Hammond, and plenty more. Vocals are in Norwegian throughout, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. "Ura" is haunting, majestic, and magical, while closer "Stjernestigen" is ten minutes of lush, pastoral Norwegian-styled prog, gentle acoustic guitar, flute, and simmering organ floating about the mix with tasty electric guitar popping in and out for added pleasure. Eventually Moog, piano, and Mellotron play a factor as well before the song fades out, ending a fabulously enjoyable album.
Prog album of the year? You won't get an argument from me!
Track Listing
1.
Invokasjon 02:52
2.
Sankeren 07:21
3.
Salighet I 06:17
4.
Salighet II 06:10
5.
Ura 06:38
6.
Danseritualer fra Jordsjø - Prosesjon & Ekstase 02:54
7.
Stjernestigen 10:21
Added: December 19th 2023
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:  
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 609
Language: english
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Jordsjø: Salighet
Posted by Eric Porter, SoT Staff Writer on 2023-12-19 18:12:11
My Score:
2021’s Pastoralia was my first taste of Jordsjo, and an album I enjoyed the blending of folk and the heavier progressive moments. Flute, keyboards, and guitar are all featured prominently throughout the album. Hearing the mellotron strings behind the flute and acoustic guitar create that gorgeous classic sound. Even the clarinet is used to great effect during “Salighet I”, it is not an instrument that often comes to mind, but it does add a unique tone to the music. They instinctively know when an arrangement needs a boost, or better said, when it is time to kick things up a notch. The pastoral sections are well balanced, never overdone or too long and drawn out. The vocals are few and far between, and sung in their native Norwegian, they are not strong, but are sprinkled throughout, and never dominate the tracks. “Uma” is an example, with its acoustic guitar and keyboard intro, the vocals lead the song into it’s the electric second half of more organ and lead guitar, it builds and becomes hypnotic towards its conclusion.
Jordsjo has a magic about them, everything blends so well, and nothing is overdone, a nice balance is found in their music. It can be difficult to get the right balance, but Jordsjo has proved again they understand the importance of dynamics and color in the music, and know how to find it.
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