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P r o g r e s s i v e R o c k W o r l d
The Tusmørke: the "magic pipers" of modern prog
Tusmørke (Norwegian for "twilight") is a Norwegian band formed in the mid-1990s (formerly as Les Fleurs du Mal) by 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, what I call Northern Prog. They combine a magical atmosphere with a highly cerebral approach, with an eccentric and "primordial" style, blending 1970s psychedelia, pastoral flutes, and themes linked to local folklore and the occult.
The band went by several names (Sativa, Withywindle, Elektrisk Tusmørke) before solidifying itself simply as Tusmørke in 2009, sharing band members with other Norwegian prog acts like 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 for the Spellemannprisen (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, "Balderdom," is due out March 20, 2026, via Karisma Records.
Lineup and Collaborations
Tusmørke's lineup has seen numerous lineup changes and a network of collaborations with the Norwegian progressive scene.
The original lineup consisted of
- Benediktator (Benedikt Momrak): Bass and vocals.
- Krizla (Kristoffer Momrak): Flute and vocals.
- Håkon Andersen: Drums.
Over the years, many notable musicians have been members or regular collaborators of the band:
- The Phenomenon Marxo Solinas (Lars Fredrik Frøislie): Keyboards. A key member, formerly of Wobbler and White Willow.
- HlewagastiR (Lars Hovland): Drums. A longtime member, he also played with Wobbler.
- Dauinghorn (Kristian S. Hultgren): Guitars and keyboards. Originally from Jordsjø.
- Haugebonden Gode Gullstein: Keyboards.
- Kusken (Filip Ramberg): Drums (temporary member 2022-2023).
- Andreas Strømman Wettergren Prestmo: Vocals and backing vocals. Current lead 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
Before forming Tusmørke in 2009, the members played in various bands:
- Les Fleurs du Mal: Name used by the band between 1994 and 2009.
- The Chronicles of Father Robin: Project started in the 1990s 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 of the Momrak brothers
Pseudonyms
The members of Tusmørke use pseudonyms that reflect the band's esoteric, theatrical, and humorous aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, occultism, or complex wordplay:
- Benediktator (Benedikt Momrak): The name is a fusion of his real name (Benedikt) and 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 has been associated with a shamanic aura, consistent with his role as a flutist who evokes ancestral atmospheres.
- The Phenomenon Marxo Solinas (Lars Fredrik Frøislie): This is 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 homage to the band's passion for archaeology and the Iron Age.
- Dauinghorn (Kristian S. Hultgren): Literally meaning "Dead Man's Horn" or "Horn of the Deceased" in Norwegian, a direct reference to the necromantic themes and funerary rituals often present in their concept albums.
- Herjekongen (Håkon Oftung): This is a Norwegian compound term that can be literally translated as "The Plunder King" or "The Devastator King."
- Kusken (Filip Ramberg): In Norwegian, Kusken means "The Coachman."
These nicknames are part of the depiction of a magical world (or "Netherworld") that Tusmørke stage, presenting themselves as a sort of "coven" rather than a simple rock band.
Their Style
Tusmørke are the "Pied Pipers" of modern prog, with their pastoral folk influenced by Nordic folk, '70s prog, and psychedelia. Their lyrics and themes reference ancient mythology, astronomy, nature, and a bizarre sense of humor, often sung in Norwegian.
It's a dark and theatrical prog-folk with Nordic folk sounds.
They make extensive use of the transverse flute and vintage keyboards (Mellotron, Hammond organ), reminiscent of the English prog of bands like Jethro Tull and Gabriel-era Genesis, but with a dark and wild Scandinavian twist.
The lyrics address Norwegian folklore, pagan rituals, bog mummies, and anthropology, often with a tone that ranges from serious to ironically macabre.
The rhythm sections are often hypnotic and repetitive, creating a trance-like effect in the lengthy instrumental suites. Benediktator and Krizla's vocals add a theatrical layer, with vocal harmonies ranging from medieval choral chants to more raucous narratives.
Splendid representatives of an ever-evolving progressive rock.
The Discography and the Reviews
Underjordisk Tusmørke - 2012
Riset Bak Speilet - 2014
Ført Bak Lyset - 2016
Hinsides - 2017
Bydyra - 2017
Fjernsyn i Farver - 2018
Leker for barn, ritualer for voksne- 2019
Nordisk Krim - 2021
Intetnett - 2022
Hestehoven - 2023
Dawn of Oberon - 2024