On his second solo album, Gamle Mester (Old Master), Lars Fredrik Frøislie pays homage to the greats of the past. Drawing inspiration not only from the pioneers of progressive rock but also from art, literature, and mythology, the album reflects on timeless acts of creativity that still resonate today. The title is derived from the ancient oak tree "Den Gamle Mester", found at Krødsherad Prestegård, which also inspired a poem of the same name by Jørgen Moe. This symbolic tree serves as a unifying theme throughout the album, representing wisdom, endurance, and the passage of time.
Opening with Demring (Dawn), the album embarks on a dynamic journey filled with masterful instrumentation and some of Frøislie’s most compelling songwriting to date. Jakten på det Kalydonske Villsvin (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar) launches with a striking harpsichord riff before unfolding into an epic musical retelling of Rubens' famous depiction of the myth. The piece narrates the tale of King Oeneus, who, after neglecting to honour the goddess Artemis, incurs her wrath in the form of a monstrous boar sent to devastate his lands.
You can watch Lars Fredrik Frøislie recording his album here:
The title track, Gamle Mester, is a captivating instrumental/choral piece, driven by a central keyboard motif that weaves together grandeur and melodic precision. From there, listeners are cast adrift on Medusas Flåte (The Raft of the Medusa). This evocative composition opens with a theme that captures the ocean's vast majesty and peril, narrating the harrowing fate of the 150 souls left adrift after the wreck of the French frigate Medusa. Over 13 days, only 15 survived, enduring starvation, dehydration, and ultimately, cannibalism, a grim tale immortalized in Géricault's iconic painting.
The album reaches its crescendo with De tre gratier (The Three Graces), named after the daughters of Zeus. Spanning 12 minutes, this final opus encapsulates everything that makes Gamle Mester a triumph. Shifting between light and dark, the track is a treasure trove of rich keyboard textures, soaring flute melodies, dynamic percussion, and the virtuosic bass work of Nikolai Hængsle.
With Gamle Mester, Lars Fredrik Frøislie delivers an album steeped in history, mythology, and musical brilliance. A must-have for progressive rock enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With artwork by Frøislie himself, Gamle Mester will be released on CD, limited edition gatefold LP on green/ transparent marble vinyl and digital formats this Friday, May 9th on Karisma Records