SAVER from Oslo, Norway deliver an
astounding album of sublime heaviness,
shimmering moogs, abrasive vocals and
a devastating, gnarly bass tone. Fans of
Breach, The Old Wind, Cult Of Luna: sit
back, have a drink and enjoy!
SAVER is the new project of Ole
Christian Helstad, Ole Ulvik Rokseth and
Markus Støle of TOMBSTONES and
HYMN. “The idea of starting SÂVER was
a consequence of ending
something“, comments Helstad. “In the
beginning it was a good mix of loss, in a
way, and the excitement of a blanc
canvas. In hindsight, we shared a feeling
of longing for an escape, getting away
from the known, and immersing
ourselves into something completely
different… which is scary and exciting at
the same time. It mirrors the band both in a literary sense, as well as the general mood
during the writing process.“
The band recorded the album in May 2018 in Norrköping, Sweden, while camping out in the
Swedish woods nearby. Much like label mates LLNN or Briqueville, SAVER's sound is
characterized by a strong component of apocalyptic synths and textural electronics hovering
above the base of heavy guitars and bass – a mélange that works incredibly well, and has
been becoming increasingly popular across the globe of heavy music lately.
While listening to „They Came With Sunlight“, it's surprising to learn that SAVER are a
relatively new band. The album surely does not sound at all like a debut album: the
transitions are too well-crafted, the pace and vibe too dense and consequent, and a great
tranquility lies within or beneath the heaviness, something that is rarely accomplished by
young bands. But the members of SAVER have known each other for years, and have been
active in the Oslo underground music scene in various bands... some of them made it to
Roadburn and Psycho Las Vegas (Tombstones), while others toured squats and small
venues across Europe, all of them contributed to their member's experience and the serenity
which SAVER exudes. Helstad has even created his own boutique music festival in Oslo
called Høstsabbat, with bands like Amen Ra, Asteroid, Toner Low on the 2018 bill.
„A lot of the lyrics are centred around the idea of leaving this world behind, towards
something undefined“, Helstad explains. „Which makes the eternity of cosmos an inevitable
image in the viewfinder. Like hitting the road, except upwards with no rear view mirror.“
Enjoy that ride upwards that is „They Came With Sunlight“!