Hard work, determination and a relentless passion for music is what defines ASPERA, a new und hungry melodic band with progressive influences, ready to shake up the scene and step up to worldwide recognition with their impressive debut release Ripples on InsideOutMusic.
The five aspiring musicians from Skien, Norway, are truly what can be described as youngsters and newcomers, being just 20 years of age (all members were born the last quarter of the year 1989 and they were 18-19 years old when producing Ripples!). The group, however, originally formed in a slightly different line-up as friends in school and has been active since 2005 under the previous name Illusion, releasing a total of 3 self-recorded demo EPs and having about 40+ live shows under their belt, before they switched their band name to the more original and better suitable ASPERA last summer. ASPERA is taken from Latin and meaning thorns or rugged ground, which was chosen because it describes the bands complex and colourful sound in an appropriate way.
In the turn of the last months, ASPERA has been expanding their following and introducing their music to a new and larger audience by sharing stages both within Norway with bands like Pagans Mind, Circus Maximus or Audrey Horne and most recently also debuting internationally when the band supported former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen for two shows in Spain and one show in Switzerland.
Due to each members personal wide range in musical taste and interests, ASPERAs music showcases a fresh and very individual blend of heavy and tight riffing, atmospheric soundscapes, an abundance of melody, skilled solos and yet an ever-present "in-your-face" rock'n'roll attitude with a strong focus on catchy melodies and focused songwriting. ASPERA quote acts like Pain Of Salvation, Pagans Mind, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Evergrey or Soilwork as common favourites and stylistic influences, which further stresses the point that a high level of musicianship and creativity are elementary components of ASPERAs approach. Vocalist Atle Pettersen adds another extremely interesting layer to the bands profound sound with his very expressive melodic range and a captivating sense for effective hooklines.
The bands debut full-length album "Ripples" has been recorded in their home-studio in Skien, Norway, and was later mixed and mastered to sonic perfection at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden by Jens Bogren, who has previously produced bands such as Opeth, Paradise Lost, Hammerfall or Symphony X. Bogren was obviously impressed by the potential of the young musicians and comments on Ripples as follows: The debut album from ASPERA is one of the best progressive metal albums I've heard in a looong time! Since 1992, to be exact! It was an honor helping the band getting the album the way they deserve."
Ripples consists of 10 extremely well-composed and varied songs wrapped in a dynamic and a powerful production. The album features Nils K. Rue (Pagans Mind) on background vocals and comes with artwork created by Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil, etc.), visually enhancing the basic concept that every single action has a consequence, either on a personal or global level, which is what connects all lyrics and the albums title.
In a scene and market currently oversaturated by faceless, standardized bands and their average product, truly inspired and gifted musicians encounter a hard time to be allowed to shine through. Thats why young talent like ASPERA does deserve our attention and support all the more, as Ripples is very likely only a first sign of great things to come
Line-Up:
Atle Pettersen Vocals
Robin Ognedal Guitars
Rein T. Blomquist Bass
Joachim Strøm Ekelund Drums
Nickolas Main Henriksen Keyboards
Discography:
Ripples CD 2010
Band Websites:
www.asperaofficial.com
www.myspace.com/asperaofficial
ASPERA - "Ripples" CD (54:47)
Tracklisting:
01. Intro (1:30)
02. Ripples (6:33)
03. Do I Dare? (5:31)
04. Remorse (6:21)
05. Between Black & White (8:12)
06. Catatonic Coma (5:44)
07. Torn Apart (4:58)
08. Traces Inside (7:51)
09. Reflections (2:03)
10. The Purpose (5:58)
The five aspiring musicians from Skien, Norway, are truly what can be described as youngsters and newcomers, being just 20 years of age (all members were born the last quarter of the year 1989 and they were 18-19 years old when producing Ripples!). The group, however, originally formed in a slightly different line-up as friends in school and has been active since 2005 under the previous name Illusion, releasing a total of 3 self-recorded demo EPs and having about 40+ live shows under their belt, before they switched their band name to the more original and better suitable ASPERA last summer. ASPERA is taken from Latin and meaning thorns or rugged ground, which was chosen because it describes the bands complex and colourful sound in an appropriate way.
In the turn of the last months, ASPERA has been expanding their following and introducing their music to a new and larger audience by sharing stages both within Norway with bands like Pagans Mind, Circus Maximus or Audrey Horne and most recently also debuting internationally when the band supported former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen for two shows in Spain and one show in Switzerland.
Due to each members personal wide range in musical taste and interests, ASPERAs music showcases a fresh and very individual blend of heavy and tight riffing, atmospheric soundscapes, an abundance of melody, skilled solos and yet an ever-present "in-your-face" rock'n'roll attitude with a strong focus on catchy melodies and focused songwriting. ASPERA quote acts like Pain Of Salvation, Pagans Mind, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Evergrey or Soilwork as common favourites and stylistic influences, which further stresses the point that a high level of musicianship and creativity are elementary components of ASPERAs approach. Vocalist Atle Pettersen adds another extremely interesting layer to the bands profound sound with his very expressive melodic range and a captivating sense for effective hooklines.
The bands debut full-length album "Ripples" has been recorded in their home-studio in Skien, Norway, and was later mixed and mastered to sonic perfection at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden by Jens Bogren, who has previously produced bands such as Opeth, Paradise Lost, Hammerfall or Symphony X. Bogren was obviously impressed by the potential of the young musicians and comments on Ripples as follows: The debut album from ASPERA is one of the best progressive metal albums I've heard in a looong time! Since 1992, to be exact! It was an honor helping the band getting the album the way they deserve."
Ripples consists of 10 extremely well-composed and varied songs wrapped in a dynamic and a powerful production. The album features Nils K. Rue (Pagans Mind) on background vocals and comes with artwork created by Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil, etc.), visually enhancing the basic concept that every single action has a consequence, either on a personal or global level, which is what connects all lyrics and the albums title.
In a scene and market currently oversaturated by faceless, standardized bands and their average product, truly inspired and gifted musicians encounter a hard time to be allowed to shine through. Thats why young talent like ASPERA does deserve our attention and support all the more, as Ripples is very likely only a first sign of great things to come
Line-Up:
Atle Pettersen Vocals
Robin Ognedal Guitars
Rein T. Blomquist Bass
Joachim Strøm Ekelund Drums
Nickolas Main Henriksen Keyboards
Discography:
Ripples CD 2010
Band Websites:
www.asperaofficial.com
www.myspace.com/asperaofficial
ASPERA - "Ripples" CD (54:47)
Tracklisting:
01. Intro (1:30)
02. Ripples (6:33)
03. Do I Dare? (5:31)
04. Remorse (6:21)
05. Between Black & White (8:12)
06. Catatonic Coma (5:44)
07. Torn Apart (4:58)
08. Traces Inside (7:51)
09. Reflections (2:03)
10. The Purpose (5:58)
