MONSTER MASTER

SOT are a quite interesting Norwegian band which features 3 studied and creative musicians who know how to entertain people making great music. They blend prog rock with avant-garde hints and a touch of humor, so the result is an entertaining experience.

Last year (2022) they returned to release their fourth studio album, after a silence of 6 years when they shared the nice 'Kogel Mogel'. So for this new record entitled 'Monster Master' they give us 8 compositions that make a total time of 43 minutes, which start with 'Draugner', a nice prog/hard rock track which shows the skills of the 3 musicians, I especially like the bass sound because it is not actually a bass, it is a tuba playing those big notes. There is also a short instrumental passage where the music changes, a didjeridoo is introduced and then some strange noises appear.

'Saga Siglar' is the shortest song here, it is like a mantra, like being in a joga lesson or something, it feels quiet and healing, it also has a mid-eastern flavor. This short interlude leads to the explosive title-track, a 13-minute song entitled 'Monster Master' that has a diversity of passages, of changes. It starts with a Zappa-esque sound, guitar and tuba playing fast at the same time while drums put the rhythm; then the music slows down all of a sudden and last for over a minute just to return to that fast and proggy sound. A new change comes and that jazzy side of SOT springs and offers a delicious experience. At minute five we can hear a circus-like tune, the jazzy atmosphere prevails, but I also sense a bit of humor. Needles to say, it is evident that Reithaug, Haug and Nyborg get along very well, they make the music flaw despite the constant changes, they know each other and that can be perceived by us. Guitar solo, interplay between tuba and guitar, atmospheric synths, great drums, and yeah, change after change. It is a challenging song and it is very nice.

'Tilstander' is a short and delicate guitar-driven track, it is gentle to our ears, even relaxing. Next is 'Mann med Yacht' and is a contrast from the previous track, here the intensity increases and the interplay between guitar and tuba appears once again in a fast time, reminding me a bit of some of the title-track's moments. There is a passage where some far voices can be heard as well.

'Sunship' continues with that proggy zappa-esque sound, and they remind me a bit of French band Mörglbl. I think the tuba role in SOT is essential to their uniqueness, their sound. The last minute of this track is especially good, adding some vocals as background and a tense and nervous sound in the veing of Magma (less crazy, less zeuhl, of course). 'Rolig Ørken' is like the second track, in terms of its softness and relaxing sound. It has a didjeridoo and a new-age like sound that takes us to the mid-eastern, I don't know what influences or beliefs these Norwegian guys have, but it is interesting what they do here.

And the album finishes with the great 'Barals Grav', which is a fast-tempo and odd time signature track with an avand garde feeling. Once again we can witness a great demonstration of skills, and a great understanding between band mates. The last passage is great, emotive, I love the keyboards and the atmosphere created. Nice way to finish it.

It is a very good album with a style that is not that common, so it's better if you listen to it at least a couple of times in order to appreciate it better.

Enjoy it!