Kjetil Bjerkestrand releases new album, HEKS, out today

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Origins
HEKS began as a trio with Eivind, Helge, and Kjetil, whose collaboration spans several decades. A few years ago, Sara Övinge, one of Norway’s most exciting violinists and winner of the 2024 Spellemann Award in the Contemporary category for her debut album Patientia, joined the group. Her award-winning sound and interpretations of Kjetil’s compositions have added a new dimension to the quartet.

Each member of HEKS has a distinguished career:

• Eivind Aarset is a global name in modern jazz and electronica, known for his boundary-defying guitar soundscapes and collaborations with international icons.
• Helge Norbakken, a percussionist with a truly unique style, has been a pivotal figure on the Norwegian and international music scene.
• Kjetil Bjerkestrand is a composer, producer, and musician with a long career, recognized for his work with prominent artists and his passion for blending analog synthesizers with acoustic expression.

 

The Music

All the compositions on the album are written by Kjetil Bjerkestrand, drawing inspiration from personal reflections and historical events. The album presents a wide range of moods and themes:

• "Tung tids tale" ("Speech of Hard Times") is a powerful musical response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, inspired by Halldis Moren Vesaas’ poem: "It is no longer called: I. From now on it is called: we."
• "Drømmen" ("The Dream") is a tribute to those who fight for freedom, referencing Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic words: "I have a dream."
• "Bønn" ("Prayer"), inspired by Arne Garborg’s heartfelt plea, reflects a deep spiritual yearning: "Oh help me, you who can help!"
• "Tribute" is a playful homage to inspirations like Bach, Mozart, and James Bond, merging classical virtuosity with pop-cultural references.

 

Recording Process

The album was recorded in two studios: Bjarne Stensli’s studio in Brenneriveien and the legendary Rainbow Studio, where the group refined their distinctive sound.

 

Soundscape

The album’s soundscape is characterized by Eivind Aarset’s atmospheric guitar landscapes, Helge Norbakken’s powerful rhythms, Sara Övinge’s captivating and beautiful violin tones, and Kjetil Bjerkestrand’s warm Rhodes sounds and analog synthesizers.

HEKS’ new album is a powerful, beautiful, and thought-provoking work that invites listeners into a unique musical universe. The album is released today, and is available on all digital platforms as well as on CD.