With the fires still burning around the release of Journeyman next month, acclaimed drummer and composer, André Drage, is thrilled to announce his second studio album “Wolves” in as many months with the André Drage Group.
Compared to the lush electronic and instrumental waves of “Journeyman”, his next album “Wolves” showcases an entirely new and ferocious approach to his trademark sound. Packed with complex, experimental, and intensely rhythmic rock like that found in the highly influential music of King Crimson and Frank Zappa, it also trawls through the dustier crates of prog rock history. Fans of late 60s and 70s outliers will find plenty to love from the heavy acid grooves of Amon Düül II to the intricate, jazz infused guitar work and shifting time signatures of The Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Featuring André Drage on drums, violinist Jørgen Krøger Mathisen, guitarist Viktor Bomstad, bass player Petter Asbjørnsen and Vegard Lian Bjerkan on keys, “Wolves” is like a long-lost album from the vaults of Vertigo or Deram. A true progressive gem hewn from the minds of unmistakably raw and rising talents.
“It’s essentially a fusion record inspired by both newer heavy metal music, jazz-rock and bands from around the world”, explains Drage. “There’s some inspiration from Mahavishnu Orchestra, Gong, and Soft Machine in there and even bands like Meshuggah too. My hope is that the music released can appeal to music lovers in different camps who want something fresh but strangely familiar at the same time”.
Perhaps best known in the European metal underground for his work with Norwegian trio, Draken, Drage’s new imprint hopes to redefine genre boundaries and inspire new listeners. With a commitment to showcasing a diverse range of musical styles, Drage Records was announced in late 2024 and detailed in this interview with It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine.
“Wolves” by the André Drage Group will get an official worldwide release on April 25th, 2025, and be preceded by the release of “Journeyman” on March 14th, 2025.
Stream and share new single “Tigerboy” below.
Tracklist:
1. Potent Elixirs
2. Tigerboy
3. Wind in their Sails
4. Fire
5. Nesodden
6. Brainsoup
Album credits:
Recorded by Dag Erik Johansen at Athletic Sound studio in 2023
Mix by Dag Erik Johansen at Athletic Sound
Mastering by Nick Terry at Black Valley studios
Cover art by Stein Are Kjærås Dahl
Layout design by Lasse Marhaug
Line-up:
André Drage – Drums
Jørgen Krøger Mathisen – Violin and effects
Viktor Bomstad – Electric guitar
Petter Asbjørnsen – Electric bass guitar
Vegard Lien Bjerkan – Fender Rhodes and synths
Weblinks:
andredrage.com
www.facebook.com/DrageGroup
