Trilogies seem to the new black in Scandinavia these days. First Robyn did her ‘Body Talk’ trilogy last year, and now Kaizers Orchestra release the first of three volumes in the ‘Violeta Violeta’ concept album series, according to plan followed by volume two this November and volume three in November 2012. And they’re off to a very good start…

Who are they?
Six Norwegians, whose mental health and stability has always been at least questionable, who so far have released five studio albums, four EP’s, a live DVD and two live albums with their unique blend of rock, oil barrels, pump-organ, Tom Waits and traditional Eastern European music, and who in this book still hold the title as Scandinavia’s best live band (please do check them out if you ever get the chance).

How’s the album?
I was rather disappointed with their, to me, weakest effort ‘Maskineri’ (2008), where they strayed too far from the energetic Balkan-rock that made them stand out in the first place. Although it did seem a natural move on the back of their 2005 concept album masterpiece ‘Maestro’, on which Kaizers Orchestra took it down a notch while striking a genius balance between intriguing musical madness and great, accessible songs, ‘Maskineri’ turned out too polished to be really interesting.

So it’s with considerable pleasure I can proclaim: They’re back. With a vengeance, too. Striking the same balance as ‘Maestro’, ‘Violeta Violeta Volume 1’ is simply another masterpiece. The songs are again awesome, the energy and characteristic oomph is back, and on top they elegantly nuance their expression with the addition of strings and horns – on ‘Tumor I Ditt Hjerte’ and ‘Svarte Katter & Flosshatter’ even a full symphony orchestra, making the latter a great choice if they’re ever invited to do a James Bond theme song. Excellent!

So, what’s the concept?
In short it’s a romantic tragedy about the hardships of a pretty dysfunctional family; mother Beatrice (possessed by both good and evil, both insane and eccentric), father Kenneth (who kidnaps their daughter to avoid her turning like her mother), and daughter Violeta Violeta (who’s so beautiful that her parents gave her the same first name twice). After seven years of mourning, Beatrice finally awakens and set out to find her daughter and confront the husband. However, we’re not dealing with classic, linear storytelling, as the three volumes of ‘Violeta Violeta’ are instead shaped and bundled after the songs’ style and sound.

Check them out if you like:
Well, Kaizers Orchestra… There’s really nothing like them out there.

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Genre: Rock/Alternative
Who: Kaizers Orchestra
Album: Violeta Violeta Volume 1
Label: Petroleum Records
Year: 2011
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
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Recommended tracks:
Philemon Arthur & The Dung – Diamant Til Kull – En For Orglet, En For Meg – Hjerteknuser – Psycho Under Min Hatt – Svarte Katter & Flosshatter