Tusmørke (which in Norwegian means "twilight") are a Norwegian band formed in the mid-’90s (first as Les Fleurs du Mal) by the brothers Benedikt Momrak ("Benediktator" - bass, vocals) and Kristoffer Momrak ("Krizla" - flute, vocals)
Today they are one of the most active and distinctive bands in the Norwegian progressive scene, in what I call Northern Prog, able to blend a magical atmosphere with a strongly cerebral approach; with an eccentric and "primordial" style, they mix ’70s psychedelia, pastoral flutes and themes tied to local folklore and occultism.
The band went through several names (Sativa, Withywindle, Elektrisk Tusmørke) before settling simply as Tusmørke in 2009, sharing band members with other Norwegian prog acts such as Wobbler.
Their official debut came in 2012 with the single Salomonsens Hage/Singers & Swallows and the album Underjordisk Tusmørke.
In 2016, the album Ført bak lyset received a nomination at the Spellemannprisen (the Norwegian Grammy) in the rock category.
The band has released numerous albums, including Nordisk Krim (2021), Hestehoven (2023) and Dawn of Oberon (2024).
Their next album is titled "Balderdom" and is due out on 20 March 2026 via Karisma Records.
The Line-up and Collaborations
Tusmørke’s line-up has been marked by many personnel changes and a web of collaborations within the Norwegian progressive scene.
The Original Line-up was made up of
- Benediktator (Benedikt Momrak): Bass and vocals.
- Krizla (Kristoffer Momrak): Flute and vocals.
- Håkon Andersen: Drums.
Over the years, many notable musicians have been part of the group or have collaborated on a steady basis:
- The Phenomenon Marxo Solinas (Lars Fredrik Frøislie): Keyboards. A key member, he comes from Wobbler and White Willow.
- HlewagastiR (Lars Hovland): Drums. A long-time member, he also played with Wobbler.
- Dauinghorn (Kristian S. Hultgren): Guitars and keyboards. He comes from Jordsjø.
- Haugebonden Gode Gullstein: Keyboards.
- Kusken (Filip Ramberg): Drums (temporary member in 2022-2023).
- Andreas Strømman Wettergren Prestmo: Lead and backing vocals. Current singer of Wobbler and member of The Chronicles of Father Robin.
- Herjekongen (Håkon Oftung): best known as the creative mind, singer, guitarist and keyboardist of Jordsjø, as well as being a member of Wobbler
- Brennesle (Martin Mæhle): the band’s current drummer, considered by the long-standing members a highly talented musician whose style fits perfectly with the psychedelic and folk-rock sound.
- Selve Kraften-Hohner (Selve Kraften): a multi-instrumentalist whose presence has enriched the band’s “primordial” sound. In his personal studio, nicknamed “Lair of Power” (Den of Power), he handled the keyboard arrangements for the most recent tracks.
Before settling as Tusmørke in 2009, the members played in various line-ups:
- Les Fleurs du Mal: Name used by the band between 1994 and 2009.
- The Chronicles of Father Robin: Project started in the ’90s that included the Momrak brothers and Andreas Prestmo.
- Lydia Laska: Punk/rock band in which Benediktator played.
- Momrakattakk, The Few, The Mornings: Other minor or university projects by the Momrak brothers
The Pseudonyms
Tusmørke’s members use stage names that reflect the band’s esoteric, theatrical and humorous aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, occultism, or intricate wordplay:
- Benediktator (Benedikt Momrak): The name blends his real name (Benedikt) with the term “dictator,” ironically highlighting his role as leader and founder of the group.
- Krizla (Kristoffer Momrak): A stylized, “psychedelic” form of his name, Kristoffer. In some interviews, the term is linked to a shamanic aura, fitting his role as a flautist who evokes ancestral atmospheres.
- The Phenomenon Marxo Solinas (Lars Fredrik Frøislie): The most eccentric name, with “Solinas” adding an aristocratic touch.
- HlewagastiR (Lars Hovland): This pseudonym has deep historical roots. It comes from the inscription on the Gallehus Horns (ancient Danish archaeological finds), where the name Hlewagastir appears. It is a direct tribute to the band’s passion for archaeology and the Iron Age.
- Dauinghorn (Kristian S. Hultgren): It literally means “Horn of the dead” in Norwegian, a direct reference to necromantic themes and funeral rituals often found in their concept albums.
- Herjekongen (Håkon Oftung): a Norwegian compound term that can be translated literally as “The King of Plunder” or “The Devastating King.”
- Kusken (Filip Ramberg): In Norwegian, Kusken means “The Coachman”.
- Brennesle (Martin Mæhle): In Norwegian, “Brennesle” literally means nettle
- Selve Kraften-Hohner (Selve Kraften): His nickname comes from his distinctive use of Hohner-brand instruments, such as the harmonica and melodica, which add that folk and “astral” touch typical of the group.
These are nicknames that are part of the portrayal of a magical world (or “Netherworld”) that Tusmørke stage, presenting themselves as a kind of “coven” rather than a simple rock band
Their Style
Tusmørke are the “magic pipers” of modern prog, with their pastoral folk influenced by Nordic folk, ’70s prog and psychedelia, and lyrics and themes that reference ancient mythology, astronomy, nature and quirky humour, with lyrics often sung in Norwegian.
It’s a dark, theatrical prog-folk with Nordic folk sonorities.
They make heavy use of flute and vintage keyboards (Mellotron, Hammond organ) that recall English prog from bands like Jethro Tull and the Gabriel-era Genesis, but with a Scandinavian, dark and wild edge.
The lyrics deal with Norwegian folklore, pagan rituals, bog mummies and anthropology, often with a tone that shifts between the serious and the ironic-macabre.
The rhythm sections are often hypnotic and repetitive, creating a “trance” effect in the long instrumental suites. Benediktator and Krizla’s voices add a theatrical layer, with vocal harmonies ranging from medieval choral singing to more raucous storytelling.
Splendid representatives of an ever-evolving progressive rock.
