What truly is progressive music? Each month BraveWords will aim to dissect that answer with a thorough overview of the current musical climate that is the prog world. Old and new, borrowed and blue. A musical community without borders. So watch for a steady and spaced-out array of features, current news and a buyer’s guide checklist to enhance the forward-thinking musical mind. So, welcome to BraveWords’ monthly column appropriately titled, Between A Rock In A Prog Place. 

In this month’s column, we speak to Avkrvst singer/multi-instrumentalist Simon Bergseth (whose band has just issued their debut full-length, The Approbation), about the album, their mysterious name, and the state of prog in their home country of Norway. 

Where, when, and how did Avkrvst form?

“In some ways, it all started over 20 years ago – when Martin and I made a deal that when we got old and settled down like our dads, we were also going to start a band. Now, over 20 years later, we finally did that!”

What is the meaning behind the band’s name, and what is the correct pronunciation?

“It’s named after a famous Norwegian painter/author who is called Kjell Aukrust. Just swap out the V’s with U’s and then you have the correct pronunciation. The record was written, made, and recorded at a family cabin in the same town where Kjell Aukrust grew up.”

Who are some of the band’s influences?

“The Norwegian landscape - mountains, forests, and fields. As well as bands like Mew, The Mars Volta, Porcupine Tree, Mastodon, and Opeth, amongst others.”

What are some memories of recording The Approbation?

“We wrote the album over 6 weekends at the cabin in Alvdal, and one of the weekends it was around -19 degrees Celsius when we arrived. We used the whole evening and night to warm up the cabin to a point where we wouldn’t freeze to death!”

What was the lyrical inspiration behind the song 'The Pale Moon,’ and the story behind its video?

“We wanted to bring the surroundings of the cabin into the lyrical themes on the album – which were pretty dark and cold. A cabin isolated far away from civilization, and the sound of silence and the wind blowing outside the window. We tried to portray the feeling of being isolated and waiting for death, really.”

How would you describe the current music scene in Norway?

“I’d say it’s pretty good, e.g. Leprous and Motorpsycho – great bands!”

Is prog music still alive and well?

“Yes, I’d say so. The prog community in Norway is really strong and I think it still holds great standards over the world – it’s obviously progressive somewhat from the 70’s, but that is prog, isn’t it?”

Touring plans and future plans?

“No official plans at the moment, but we are going to play more live! We have also already started on the writing of the second album as well!”

Between A Rock And A Prog Place News Blast

Neal Morse has announced that he will be releasing a ‘rock opera’ on August 11, entitled The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One, which can be ordered here, whilst a video for the tune “Like A Wall” can be viewed below. Symphonic metallists Epica have issued a live single/video for the tune “Unleashed,” which can be listened to and/or viewed right on over here.

Prog metal vets Dream Theater have unveiled a new music video for the track ‘Answering The Call’ (off their latest LP, A View from the Top of the World), and are also smack-dab in the middle of a North American tour (which also includes special guests Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders). Israeli prog metallists Neolia have offered up fans a ‘guitar playthrough’ of their tuneful ditty ‘Rise and Fall’ (off their self-titled debut), which can be viewed via YouTube.

Boston proggers OK Goodnight have a new album ready to go (entitled The Fox & the Bird), as well as a video (entitled “The Snake”), which can be viewed below. German prog trio the Hirsch Effekt has a new single, “Urian,” just waiting to be listened to. 

Extreme prog metallists Kallias are briefly hitting the road at the end of August on the US west coast, and have a video (‘Mouthless Embassy’) fully prepared. And lastly, dark progressive metal outfit Vulture Industries issued a new album on June 16, Ghosts From The Past, and recently celebrated their 20 years of existence with a special anniversary show in Bergen, Norway, which can be viewed here. 

July 2023 New Albums

July 1
I AmTthe Manic Whale- Bumper Book Of Mystery Stories 

July 14
Atheist- Elements Re-Release (Nuclear Blast)
Atheist- Jupiter Re-Release (Nuclear Blast)
Atheist- Piece Of Time Re-Release (Nuclear Blast)
Atheist- Unquestionable Presence Re-Release (Nuclear Blast)
Dream The Electric Sleep- American Mystic 
Eleine- We Shall Remain 
Neal Morse Band- An Evening Of Innocence & Danger: Live In Hamburg
Strawbs- The Magic Of It All 
Voyager- Fearless In Love

July 21
Voivod- Morgöth Tales

Classic Clip

The popular weekly ‘70s US TV show, The Midnight Special, may be long gone (they ceased airing new episodes in 1981), but whoever inherited the tapes/rights to the performances has begun the challenging task of going through the vaults and uploading on YouTube excellent quality performances from way back when. And an over-the-top reading of the prog/yodeling/freakout “Focus” by Hocus Pocus (from October 5, 1973) recently reared its head online. 

(Photo - Kristian Rangnes)