The Crucible, Motorpsycho's 2019 album, the second part of the Gullivag Trilogy, released about two years after The Tower.
This is the Gullvag Trilogy:
The Tower (2017)
The Crucible (2019)
The All Is One (2020)
It's the shortest of the three, "only" 40 minutes compared to the other albums in the trilogy, which each clocked in at about 84 minutes. Its sound is closer to early Motorpsycho from the '90s, and therefore closer to grunge than progressive rock.
The drums and riffs are decidedly heavy, as in Psychotzar, beautiful and captivating but also chaotic.
Lux Aeterna and the title track have a stronger progressive rock presence, especially the title track. These beautiful jams have a very assertive sound that shifts the focus away from the prog atmospheres, which is the stylistic hallmark of this extremely underrated band and something I really appreciate. This fusion of hard rock and prog is something they express exceptionally well, in my opinion.
The artwork is, like the others, beautiful, as can be seen in the four-panel, fold-out cover in the photo.
Compared to The Tower and The All Is One, it might seem like the lesser of the three, and that's fair enough. The other two are much more elaborate and much more prog-oriented, but it's a concentration of power and energy. Three fantastic songs, both in terms of execution and composition, making it a perfect fit between the two "monster" albums and a perfect addition to any collection.
Recommended!
Tracks
1. Psychotzar (8:43)
2. Lux Aeterna (10:56)
3. The Crucible (20:52)
Running Time: 40:31
Line-Up
- Bent Sæther - bass, guitar, Mellotron, vocals
- Hans Magnus "Snah" Ryan - guitar, piano, vocals
- Tomas Järmyr - drums, percussion, Mellotron, vocals
Featuring:
- Susanna Wallumrød - vocals (2)
- Lars Horntveth - reeds (2)
- Helge Sten "Deathprod" - electronics, co-producer
