Okaaaay, y’all! It’s been more than 10 — count ’em, TEN — years since TRIOSPHERE graced us with its last album, The Heart of the Matter, an exceptional offering in its own right. Now the group is back with Oceans Above, Stars Below, out now via Frontiers Music, and on this one, Hulk happy!
Let’s get one thing out of the way: The title track is easily a contender for THE best song of 2026. And that’s simply not up for discussion. Ida Haukland’s bass and vocals are otherworldly, and the group plays like its collective hair is on fire.
Kicking things off is “Of Tyrants,” with the double-axe attack of Marius Bergesen and Tor Ole Byberg slicing through the air like a pair of dai katanas. Meanwhile, “Monster’s Ball” is clearly drummer Kenneth Tårneby’s vehicle, with Ida giving the metal GPS directions.
“Through the Phantom Wall” sounds like it would be equally at home today or blasting through a cool club back in the day. “Shorelines” sounds like it just rolled off the showroom floor, making it another favorite on an album full of them.
“Lightning in a Bottle” and “Encore” show just how quickly this band can turn on a dime while making it look effortless, though we know damn well that’s not the case. Then “Embers” kicks the door in and demands you get those hands up!
“Orpheus’ Bane” comes in heavy as hell and sinister as all get out before the hook drops in all its majestic glory. Along comes “Cadence of Chaos” to keep its foot on your neck until it decides it’s done with you.
Then, as if from nowhere…
“Gjenklang” glides in on a cloud to carry us to the end. And when it’s over, you’re gonna wanna go again.
Look, 12 years is a long time between records, but TRIOSPHERE made the wait worthwhile. Oceans Above, Stars Below hits like your favorite dessert after a meal you didn’t want to end.
Trust me.
STANDOUT TRACKS: ALL OF THEM.
RATING: 10/10
—THE MAESTRO
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