Extol

Extol’s self-titled fifth album is a long overdue masterpiece. The Norwegian band is finally following up on their Norwegian Grammy nominated The Blueprint Dives – from 2005. Eight years later, Extol is back in the U.S. Christian market with their first-ever record for the popular southern California label Facedown Records. In last year’s mystery teaser-trailer for a new documentary on the band, we found out that they were back together writing music. Ten months later, all we saw on the documentary has reached its crowning moment. Extol covers the history of the amazing sounds the band has created over the years. They’re known for starting a record strong and not letting up till it is over, and this fifth record is no exception. They come out swinging with “Betrayal” – its groovy intro gives way to a headbanging fury into to a melodic chorus with the amazing singing they have come to be known for. Then? Back into some amazing technical riffage. The record features a long-awaited creative collaboration with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost, Enslaved), and the result is masterful. This record is next to flawless, with some of the most amazing song structures you will hear this year. When it’s all said and done, you are going to have a bangover after this album is over.

About the Author

Rob Houston

Robert “Shameless” Houston is the Special Projects Manager at HM Magazine. He has been writing for HM for the past eight years. Outside of HM, Robert owns Panther City Films and is a co-owner at Notice The Impossible with HM writer Melissa Sanchez. When he is not hard at work with those three, he is playing video games, riding his bike or hanging out at shows around the US. You can also find him volunteering at Fort Worth-area DIY, punk venue 1919 Hemphill.

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