HARDT MOT HARDT

"Hardt Mot Hardt" was released in 1976, and, compared to "På Sterke Vinger", sounds like it was done by a completely different band. Actually it was done by a slightly different band. Both of the original guitarists left, leaving the bassist and vocalist behind to continue the project. The music on "Hardt Mot Hardt" was mostly written by the new guitarist who seemed to favor complex symphonic prog. His diverse electric guitar playing mixed both 70s hard-rock with local influences (Norwegian melodies and rhythms), and classical music. The vocalist sounds different on this release, but it's the same guy as on "På Sterke Vinger". His voice is stronger and confident here.

The tracks tend to mix a bit of everything. Some tracks lean on the heavy-prog side, while a couple of other tracks feature a small orchestra and symphonic atmospheres. The quality of the music remains high throughout the various changes in style. In fact, the band had real talent for creating catchy riffs, melodies, themes, rhythms, and beautiful vocals. It's hard to find fault anywhere. Overall "Hardt Mot Hardt" will end up pleasing prog fans. But do yourself a favor and check out "På Sterke Vinger" as well. Both albums are classics.

Another great band from the mid-70's Norwegian Art-Rock scene. Høst can remind you of a mix of Deep Purple and Genesis with lot's of other influences too. The lyrics are sung in Norwegian and vocalist Geit Jahren does a good job singing them, though the lyrics are somewhat nonsense-ish sometimes. Fezza Ellingsen joined the band after their first release and contributes some really great guitar playing on the songs, backed up with the other musicians playing contributions to the music. The mood on the album is both adventurous and local at the same time, but the album never get's downright boring.

Overall; Great musicians, many great songs, though a couple of weaker ones too. The opener, "Profeters Ord" is the best track. A great and catchy opener that is not easy to dislike if you like 70's prog! I recommend this album strongly to Symphonic Rock/Art Rock fans. It's a bit heavier than most regular prog, but not at all disappointing! 4/5 minimum!

What amazed me most about this album was the virtuoso guitar playing of this guy named Fezza. He also plays the flute and wrote all the songs except for the instrumental. But man can he light up the guitar, and he can play some delicate and intricate melodies as well. This record is no doubt Symphonic yet there are some classical elements and some downright scorching guitar solos as well. The singing is in Norwegian and is quite good. The drumming and organ play are outstanding as well. These guys don't take themselves too seriously either as there are some silly moments.

I like the vocal melody to open the instrumental "Ase" it's pretty funny. "Lektyre" is an orchestral song with vocals. "Sirkus" is the longest tune and one of my favs. I like the aggressive guitar playing and there is some violin and what sounds like the accordion to me. The opener is a good one, with crisp drumming and some beautiful guitar melodies. "Gorobin" opens with some intricate guitar before we get the full sound around the 2 minute mark.The drums and organ dominate although the guitar is again great !

My favourite song is "Nattergalen" as it all seems to come together beautifully. The guitar, drums and vocals are incredible while the flute solo is a nice touch. Organ play follows and then an amazing guitar solo. There are some good bass lines in the final song "Aeraeeo" and I swear Fezza can make his guitar talk. The vocals are theatrical and the organ and flute all add to an amazing sound.

This took a while to grow on me but right from the start there was no disputing the talent of this Norwegian band. A beauty from 1976.