Sykofant are yet another new band from Norway, and Red Sun Leaves is their sophomore album, comprising two EPs. Red Sun was released last year, and shows the band’s heavier side, whilst the recently released companion EP Leaves reveals a slightly more pastoral approach, with acoustic passages contrasting with their more usual angular strident style. Releasing both EPs as an album makes complete sense, and the whole package hangs together well, showing just what Sykofant are capable of.
Red Sun opens with Ashes, and immediately the guitar interplay between Emil Moen and Per Semb takes us to the heart of what Sykofant are all about. The ominous intro leads us into a jangly barbed riff, guitars working together expertly. The rolling riff reminds me distinctly of an old seventies band, Automatic Fine Tuning. Ashes has a similar interlocking guitar style as can be found on their epic The Great Panjandrum Wheel. Given that AFT were not terribly well known, I’m sure the similarity is purely coincidental, but I’m immediately drawn into their sound world as a result. Sykofant tracks rarely remain constant, and part way through the riff takes a much chuggier turn. The twists and turns in their compositions hold the attention, though they avoid abrupt transitions, so everything seemingly develops naturally.
Red Sun, the title track of the first EP follows, and has a more languid and relaxed feel. The sound and atmosphere is very much in the style of Meddle-era Floyd, right down to the Gilmour-esque guitar and Echoes evoking vocal style. It’s a rather wonderful track, and the style pops up again on the lengthy closing track to the album, Heart of The Woods. As Red Sun ends, Embers crashes in, returning to the heavier style of Ashes. Again the two guitarists work off each other, Moen providing the rhythm and riffing, and Semb the lead guitar solos and flourishes. The drums of Melvin Treider and bass of Sindre Haugen provide the rock solid foundation, but also add extra texture and personality, making the ensemble work tightly together. As Embers draws to a close, a pastoral mood takes over, and the piece fades away with backwards guitar effects.
Those same effects fade back in as the Leaves EP begins the second half of the album, a nod to their more progressive side, and welcome attention to continuity. Although the second half is a little more acoustic in approach, the band don’t stray too far from their roots. Roots and Canopy has an ethereal scene setting opening, with acoustic guitars playing the melody, and gently floating electric guitar notes adding colour. There are more muscular moments, but restraint is the byword. The track segues into Mycelium March, and a return to the Floydian jammy feel, with superb reverb-heavy guitar explosions. This soon gives way to the final mini-epic Heart of the Woods. Here, Sykofant allow their progressive side full expression, with a sixteen minute tour de force which swings between acoustic melodic sections and more strident guitar dominated moments, and full blooded heavy parts. Around the four minute mark, a pretty electric guitar melody is accompanied by a choir, adding grandeur to the track. Concise lead guitar solos are interspersed with vocal verses and lush harmonies, then more riff dominated ensemble playing. The closing couple of minutes bring us down to earth with acoustic guitar and gorgeously soothing choir, a tasteful and fitting ending to this epic ride.
Overall, Sykofant show with this release that they are capable of creating a range of moods within a recognisable style. They prove that they are a talented band, forging interesting and rewarding songs, and imbuing them with style, individuality and a genuinely organic feel. They take a well worn path, and somehow take it into new territory, and that’s not an easy thing to achieve. It bodes well, and I’m looking forward to hearing where they go next.
TRACK LISTING
01. Ashes (7:30)
02. Red Sun (6:03)
03. Embers (9:08)
04. Roots and Canopy (3:51)
05. Mycelium March (2:34)
06. Heart of the Woods (16:23)
Total Time – 45:29
MUSICIANS
Emil Moen -Guitar, Vocals
Melvin Treider – Drums
Per Semb – Lead Guitar
Sindre Haugen – Bass
~ With:
Mina Storrud – Choir
Marie Luren – Choir
Helga Tenold Fridtun – Choir
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: Norway
Date of Release(s): 23rd January 2026 (Digital) | 31st March 2026 (CD) | 1st May 2026 (Vinyl)
LINKS
Sykofant – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram
