Enslaved’s Ivar Bjørnson is on file as having stated his band have been by no means black steel, and likewise for having invented a pizza named after King Crimson. So the Norwegian multi-instrumentalist ideas on the place steel and prog collide have been all the time going to be fascinating – and he touched on these and extra with Prog in 2017.
The place’s house?
Bergen. It was the capital of Norway, and ought to be the capital of Norway!
Your earliest prog reminiscence?
Being 7 years previous, going via my dad’s vinyl assortment and placing on his early Pink Floyd information, like Meddle. The music was bizarre, however soothing and fantastic.
First prog file to procure?
Änglagård’s Hybris. I purchased it in Helvete, this superb file store in Oslo owned by [late Mayhem guitarist] Euronymous.
First prog gig?
I used to be very late with the reside prog expertise – it was King Crimson, on the Grieg Memorial Corridor in Bergen in 2003.
Favorite gadget?
My Roland SH-1 synthesiser. I purchased it from my music instructor within the seventh grade and I find it irresistible. It’s closely used on our album E.
Responsible pleasures?
The factor is, steel and prog are all about liberating you from the shackles of guilt! I do like a few of Bruce Springsteen’s later albums, like Magic.
What could be your specialist topic on Mastermind?
The roots of Norwegian black steel within the early 90s. However I believe I’d be good on the normal data spherical too.
Largest prog extravagance?
My Moog Mom-32 synth/sequencer. I initially purchased it simply so I might discover ways to play Pink Floyd’s On The Run, however I’ve had rather more use out of it since.
Favorite prog venue?
It’s 013 in Tilburg, the Netherlands – an ideal rock’n’roll venue that’s been rather well thought via. I’ve seen nice bands there like Focus and Magma, and I’ve performed many units there with Enslaved.
Outdoors of prog, what are you into?
I attempt to be a superb dad to my two younger youngsters, and browse some books if there’s time. I’m not into {golfing} or fishing or something like that!
Who’s your prog hero?
Robert Fripp. He’s had such an affect on the position of the rock musician, then there’s actually Heroes, his track with David Bowie – that was an actual affect on me.
Final prog album to procure?
From Silence To Someplace by Wobbler, a terrific Norwegian prog band launched via my pals at Karisma. At instances it’s dangerously near ‘regressive’ in its 70s golden period worship, however nonetheless on the fitting facet of ‘nice’!
What do you accumulate?
There’s a comic book strip in Norway known as Pondus. I’ve all of them from because it began. Additionally books on mystical stuff and quantum physics – something from Aleister Crowley to Stephen Hawking.
Final prog gig you went to?
Steven Wilson in Bergen, at a venue known as Ole Bull Scene. It was fairly superior, with video screens and all.
Ever had a prog date?
No, however I did get my spouse into Genesis. She was already a giant fan of Peter Gabriel, however wasn’t acquainted with the band. Then she received me into wacky classical music that makes steel sound tame – symphonies for airplane engines and stuff!
Who do you name within the prog neighborhood for a superb evening out?
If it occurs that we’re in Sweden, we’d go to Stockholm for just a few beers with [Opeth guitarist] Fredrik Åkesson and JB Christoffersson from Grand Magus.
Most necessary prog track?
twenty first Century Schizoid Man is the most-used gateway from steel into prog. It’s such a superb get together trick: the educated previous prog man says, ‘Oh, so that you suppose you’re heavy? Hearken to this track from 1969!’
Which prog musician would you wish to work with?
Device’s Danny Carey. He’s a really unique drummer and encapsulates what I like about basic prog drummers, however in a contemporary method. Now Neil Peart’s out of the enterprise, Danny’s within the chair.
Which prog album will get you in a superb temper?
Studio Tan by Frank Zappa. It’s unattainable to remain down after listening to The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary. The way in which Zappa juxtaposes excessive artwork and infantile lowbrow stuff is exhilarating.
Greatest prog gig you ever noticed?
The Residents at Bergenfest in 2010 supporting their album The Lonely Teenager. The present happened inside a cabin, with all these horribly scary figures and projections. Like the most effective horror, you needed to look away however couldn’t. It was such an expertise.
Decide us a superb learn.
Crime And Punishment by Dostoevsky. For me it’s like the most effective of prog – seemingly overworked and heavy; however when you get into it it’s advanced, stunning and layered. Each time you return to it’s like the primary time.
Your favorite prog album cowl?
The Darkish Facet Of The Moon. My favorite cowl, my favorite album.