Sykofant Put on a Guitar Clinic with Their “Strangers” Single Premiere

For a fairly new act, Sykofant emerges as a fairly impressive finished product on their upcoming debut album. Ahead of releasing the self-titled record on May 31st, we catch an introduction with the premiere of “Strangers.” After a few seconds of the song, you might feel like you died and went to guitar riff heaven. This is the ideal introduction to Sykofant and the band that they have developed into. In one respect, “Strangers” is heavy, but it’s also groovy and even a little bit funky.

The band’s music exists at the intersection of many different eras and styles. The influence of classic and progressive rock acts like King Crimson, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Rush is obvious. But listen a little closer and you’ll hear elements of modern metal, a la Opeth, Mastodon, and Porcupine Tree. You may regard Sykofant’s music as a tribute to the stadium rock of yesteryear that paved the way for everyone who came after.

Discussing “Strangers” in great detail and explaining its meaning and background, the band tells us:

“In the vast expanse of a desert plain, where the sun scorches the earth and the winds whisper secrets, a solitary figure emerges. The opening chords crash like waves against the shore, mirroring the protagonist’s abrupt landing on this unfamiliar terrain. ‘Strangers’ begins a sonic journey through the depths of isolation, transformation, and newfound connection.

“As the protagonist traverses the shifting dunes, the music sways with a slow, hypnotic rhythm, blending elements of rock and stoner vibes with the weight of metal. Each step echoes in the vast emptiness, a testament to the solitude of the journey.

“Days blur into nights as the wanderer presses on, guided only by the stars above. Then, like a mirage in the desert, they stumble upon a tribe of strangers, alien yet strangely familiar. The music shifts, mirroring the protagonist’s newfound sense of belonging, as surf rock melodies cascade like waves crashing against the shore.

“With time, bonds form between the protagonist and the enigmatic tribe, transcending language and culture. Together, they carve out a new existence in this strange land, finding solace in each other’s company. The music swells, reaching its crescendo in a symphony of Ennio Morricone-esque western-rock, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

“‘Strangers’ is more than just a song; it’s a narrative woven from threads of loneliness, discovery, and redemption. It speaks to the universal human experience of venturing into the unknown, of forging connections in the unlikeliest of places, and of ultimately finding oneself in the eyes of another.”

Norway has always steadily produced some stellar rock and metal acts, and they’ve done so again with Sykofant. The album was recorded last summer at Chaka Kahn Studios with producer Ole Øvstedal. The songs were heavily inspired by the science-fiction and psychedelic aesthetics of the 1970s. You may consider it a concept album, with each song tying together and sharing a similar thematic space. They delve into themes like time, alienation, the pursuit of meaning, and humans’ relationship with nature. The tracks literally connect with each other, with the album existing as a full listening experience without interruptions.

It’s likely quite apparent that there is an old soul within the heart of what Sykofant is. It’s a style of writing and recording that is unfortunately not very well represented anymore. Fortunately, we have acts like this that come about from time to time, reminding us of the rewards of records that are a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

Sykofant Track Listing:

1. Pavement of Colors
2. Between Air and Water
3. Monuments of Old
4. Between the Moments
5. Strangers
6. Forgotten Paths

Sykofant ‘Strangers’ album artwork