Our Album Reviews
We have released 4 albums: Dissonant Minds (July 2020), Total Absence (2016), The Ancient Tale (CD 2013, 2LP 2014) and Land of the Sun (2010). Here’s our list of reviews so far. If we missed one, let us know...
Dissonant Minds (July 10 2020)
Featuring guests Kjetil Saltnes, Astraea Antal. Fresh reviews just in:
Prog Magazine July 2020, MD.
-Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what Fatal Fusion do, the Norwegian five-piece take a left-field turn and leave you perplexed. But that’s what makes the band’s fourth album such a delight. There are only four tracks, but each one is a concerto in its own right. ‘Coming Forth By Day’ is a 14-minute ride that twists from the verve of prog metal to beatific pastoral passages, and then into a more poporiented avenue before finally fading off on a majestic organ swathe from Erlend Engebretsen. ‘Quo Vadimus’ is half the length of its proedecessor, yet provides equal variety, as Knut Erik Grøntvedt’s earthy voice dovetails with Engebretsen and guitarist Stig Selnes. ‘Beneath the Skydome’, the shortest composition, seems to be sedately meandering, until the mellow feel gives way to a claustrophobic staccato passage. The album’s masterpiece unquestionably is ‘Broken Man part 2.’ The follow up to ‘Broken Man’ from 2010’s ‘Land of the Sun’ delves into Traffic-inspired jazz, corrals Caravan-style delicacies and even nods towards Deep Purple Mk 1’s vaunting progressive inclinations. A towering climax to a stunning record. -
Prognytt, Per-Helge Berg, N, 4,5/5p, 27.9.2020:
-Their best album this far.
BetreutesProggen, Juergen Meurer, 10/15p, 24.9.2020:
-If you like bands like Magic Pie, you will probably quickly make friends with Fatal Fusion. This is fine symphonic rock, with the emphasis on "rock".
Prog Magazine #112 September 2020 (Collectible CD):
-Frenetic King Crimson-inspired scale runs, which dip and dive like birds hunting over the ocean, and ruminative moments of quiet signifies the two halves of this track’s personality Spasmodic and beguiling, ‘Quo Vadimus’ is always entertaining.
Take Effect Music Reviews, 8/10p, 11.9.2020:
An extremely eclectic affair where blues, jazz, classical, funk and even metal are part of their unique formula, anyone with an ear for prog-rock will find much to enjoy here.
Autopoietican - Apuntes de Musica Progresiva Contemporanea, César Inca Mendoza Loyola, Peru, 7.9.2020:
-The Fatal Fusion collective has excelled in style with this new album and we recommend it for what it is, an exercise in symphonism with great melodic clarity: his phonographic work is highly recommendable and dignifies the always bombastic and versatile Scandinavian progressive scene of yesterday and today.
The Progressive Aspect TPA, Nick Hudson, 10.9.2020:
-Fatal Fusion began as a blues band, and that origin remained a part of the music of The Ancient Tale, with hints of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. I guess this is why I tended to compare the music more to Rush than to Dream Theater. This year’s album, Dissonant Minds, is far closer to Dream Theater than Rush, though. Well, perhaps a jazzy and psychedelic Dream Theater/Genesis hybrid, where Steve Hackett is on guitar, rather than John Petrucci.
The Progspace, Rune, Fr/N, 4/5p, 10.9.2020:
-I feel the band really comes into their own with these longer, extended compositions. They never lose the grip on the listener and manage to create a varied and diverse experience, while maintaining a red thread for you to follow. (...) Production is crisp and clear and gives plenty of room to the individual instruments, as well as the vocals. It really leaves nothing to be wanted. If you are a fan of 70’s and 80’s progrock and neoprog, I feel you can’t really go wrong with “Dissonant Minds”, as there is just so much to enjoy here.
Progarchives, ‘Second Endeavour,’ 5/5 stars, 9.9.2020:
-Fatal Fusion are back with the album titled 'Dissonant Minds', a new collection of songs that should hook you with both epic drama and emotional soundscapes. These Norwegian guys weave together a riot of tonal colors into a dazzling musical stuff - very ambitious and eclectic - to prove that the ethos of 'Golden era' is still alive and kicking. High-caliber songwriting and performance offer a hypnotic exploration of retro- flavored progressive rock that's complex, haunting and unforgettable.
Eternal Terror, Jens Nepper, N, 5/6p, 6.9.2020:
-With “Dissonant Minds,” Fatal Fusion show that they have a style, sound, and musical identity of their own, and I highly recommend that you check this glorious and well-written album out.
MyProgMusic, Jaques Becker, Fr, 3.9.2020:
-It is a very beautiful album that Norwegian Fatal Fusion offer us, with everything that those who love of long progressive developments like to find in this kind of music, originality, imagination and beautiful melodic lines that we appropriate, little by little, by every listening...
HeavyMetal.no, Yngve, N, 7/10p, 19.8.2020:
-It’s gentle, there are progressive waves, it’s relaxing, it’sa mix of hard rock and progressive rock, at times lowe intensity. YOu listen to this like you watch a movie or read a book, you pay attention, you listen you digest, and you absorb.
Neoprog, Fr, 2/5p, 29.7.2020:
-A few bands still have memories of the progressive rock of the early seventies, what is commonly called retro-prog. The five Norwegians of Fatal Fusion are among those nostalgics.
Roadie Metal, Alessandro Iglesias, 26.7.2020:
-Looking for a coherent mix of classic prog with a more modern sound approach? Look no further, as Fatal Fusion is ready to take care of all your needs on its new album called "Dissonant Minds."Fatal Fusion, strongly influenced by the legendary classic progressive rock bands, strives to create their sound through epic environmental and accoustic passages, as well as a combination of the most diverse musical styles. At the same time, they manage to pay tribute to all the masters who influenced them.
Progwereld, Fred Nieuwesteeg, NL, 21.7.2020:
-The Norwegians glorify the 60s and 70s with their music and underline this through the use of vintage synthesizers and the Hammond.
Metal.it, Pippo ‘Sbranf’ Marino, July 2020:
-An album for fans of the genre.
Prog Rock Music Talk, Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson, 9.7.2020:
-Fatal Fusion has continued to build from the foundations set down in 2010, and ‘Dissonant Minds’ is the culmination, thus far, of the evolution of the band. If you like your prog rock to sound fresh, but still give a nod of the head to the prog scene from the ’70s, welcome to the sound of Fatal Fusion. This is an album that should find its way onto many listeners CD shelves or storage areas, so give it a good listen and if this is the first Fatal Fusion release you have heard, be prepared to dig deep to collect the earlier albums.
IO Pages, Menno von Brucken Fock, NL, July 2020 #165, printed magazine:
-This Norwegian quintet is mainly influenced by progressive music from the sixties and seventies, but also takes influences from the neo-prog from the eighties (such as Arena). For example, you can sometimes hear Marillion, then IQ and we recognize Genesis, especially when the transverse flute also contributes. Yet there are also passages that lean towards the music Deep Purple made in the early years, while there are also some blues influences here and there.
ProgStreaming, Netherlands:
ProfilProg, Marc Thibeault, July 2020, 9.1/10 points:
Sonic Perspectives, Brian Masso, 8.7.20, 8,1 points:
-With their fourth album, Fatal Fusion keeps improving the balance between their influences and the band´s own sound across a magnificent collection of songs with a plethora of musical approaches, oozing deep emotions throughout its notes.
Metal Temple, Dave Campbell, 29.6.20, 8/10 points
MLWZ, Poland, Tomasz Dudkowski, 24.06.2020
Streetclip, Germany, Mario Wolski, 12.6.20, 8,5 points:
-They are riding a fine line, the Norwegian FATAL FUSION, with their fourth long player. Or on several ridges? Between the 70s Prog Rock and Prog Metal - between catchy tune and aspiration - between long track and shorty. And it is assured that they will not fall
-FATAL FUSION (...) play their part in ensuring that high-quality material keeps coming up and attracts music addicts. This is fatal for some account balances and brings a lot of work for postmen and parcel drivers.
Total Absence (2016)
Prog Magazine, DW, UK 2017 (in print):
-Total Absence makes the prog heart grow fonder. (…) Fatal Fusion’s sound is firmly rooted in classic 70s prog, a sense only reinforced by the fact that singer Knut Erik Grøntvedt can sound spookily like Peter Gabriel. (…) Total Absence is the group’s third album and lyrically they’re fond of grandeur - the songs drip with references to kings, eternity and empires. (…) …their vintage style will surely delight fans of the titans of the genre.
Empire Music, Martin Dambeck, Germany, 2017 (in print):
-The Norwegians use a retro-style cocktail with the usual ingredients. First of all there are the symphonic keyboard sounds, which are often dominated by melancholic organ and mellotron effects. A charismatic vocalist adds a whiff of Peter Gabriel. Again and again, a certain Pink Floyd atmosphere is built up, and Steve Hackett-like guitar solos awaken memories of Genesis. The highlight is the smashing 15 minus title track. Very carefully, step by step, building an almost sacred atmosphere, which then turns into a real rocker.
Big Bang Magazine, Christian Aupetit, 2017 (in print):
-This Norwegian group are becoming a sure value of progressive music in its’ most classic sense with the release of their thirds album Total Absence. The Ancient Tale is already remarkable in a dark and powerful symphonic style, and this new opus drives the nail in by refining the subject, with the benefit of an airier production. (...) Don’t miss out on Fatal Fusion. A sure value, we tell you!
Progression Magazine, David Taylor, 4 stars, Issue 71 Winter 2017 (in print):
-Fatal Fusion produces an appealingly big, clean, crisp sound that bears its «throwback» music proudly, in grandly accessible fashion.
Blackmoon Magazine, Stian Søvik, Norway, October 2017 (in print):
-I am so glad we have a great prog environment in Norway, and that there are still Norwegian musicians who publish this kind of music. And I'm jumping with joy that that they choose to be old-fashioned enough to invest in instruments many newer prog bands stowed away in the attic back 1979. Moog synthesizers, Mellotron, Hammond never grow old in my ears.
Babyblaue Prog-Reviews, Marc Colling, Germany, 11/15 points, 5.4.2017:
-The album convinces me throughout. Such good, melodic yet powerful and progressive hard rock is hardly heard anymore.
Amarok Magazine, Daniel Sabon, France, 3/5 points, 6.3.2017:
-The musicians of Fatal Fusion must have digested strong influence of the seventies, very present in the totality of Total Absence, which, unlike its name, delivers a strong and total presence doubled by an undeniable talent.
Gitara Rysowane, Wojciech Lewandowski, Poland, 13.2.2017:
-Fatal Fusion's third studio album is a true progressive work. The album draws you in from the first listen, and it's hard to break free. Norwegian musicians have found a way to record great albums, as proven by Total Absence.
Dutch Progressive Rock Page (DPRP), Dario Albrecht, 8/10 points, 16.2.2017:
-Total Absence is highly recommended to all those who love their (neo) prog spiced-up with grit and a dark, fantasy flair.
The Progressive Aspect (TPA), Mel Allen, 29.1.2017:
-This is an album that provides excellent songwriting and performances, the use of some vintage instruments gives it an almost nostalgic feel at times, but the production brings the overall feel right up to date. (...) -what I have heard here makes me want to investigate further.
Sweden Rock Magazine, Daniel Reichberg, 8 points, 2016 (in print):
-Metal-Genesis with elements of jazz: There are many highlights on the Norwegians' new record. (...) The final mega-shebang closing track Total Absence with its’ beautiful acoustic picks, which in combination with the said Peter Gabriel-like voice gives an irresistible aura of Genesis - or is it rather Big Big Train? Whoa! Suddenly the song is concrete heavy, grinding with darn elegant synths and guitar solos on top. Fatal Fusion has developed professionally, but also in that important thing called individual style.
Scream Magazine, Norway, Affen Eitrheim, 2016 (in print):
-We’re talking prog rock, but with lots of great organs and old analog synths in the soundscape. Strong melodies and fine moods makes this a very likable album which probably will grow on me for a long time time after this issue's deadline. There is a lot of 70s’ in the soundscape, and one can trace inspiration from greats such as Genesis, Pink Floyd, Camel and Marillion. (…) Total Absence is an album that requires the listener’s concentration, and the reward for devoting one hour at a time to full focus is beautiful, wonderful music that hits you right in your heart and soul. You should treat yourself to this album.
-Det dreier seg om progrock, men med masse flotte orgler og gamle analoge synther i lydbildet. Sterke melodier og gode stemninger gjør dette til ei veldig trivelig skive som antakelig vil fortsette å vokse i lang tid etter dette nummerets deadline. Det er mye 70-talls over lydbildet, og man kan spore inspirasjon fra storheter som blant andre Genesis, Pink Floyd, Camel og Marillion. (…) Total Absence er et album som krever lytterens konsentrasjon, og belønningen for å vie en time om gangen til fullt fokus, er vakker, herlig musikk som treffer deg rett i hjerte og sjel. Denne skiva bør du unne deg.
Heavy Rock Files, Guiseppe Marasco, 7 points, 2016 (in print):
-It’s not easy to find points of reference to describe the music of the Norwegian Fatal Fusion, arriving at the third album, such a variety of musical proposals, even if the use of vintage instruments, such as mellotron and hammond, doesn’t conceal it’s tribute to the historical bands progressive rock from the 70s. (...) The result is a good niche album, destined not to upset the interest towards the band.
Sea of Tranquility, Pete Pardo, 31.12.2016:
-Total Absence is easily one of this years best heavy prog albums. Make sure you don't miss this winner from Fatal Fusion, a band that have now cranked out three winners in a row and show no signs of slowing down.
Music Waves, France, 4/5 points, 21.12.2016:
-(...) Fatal Fusion know how to merge, with excellence, their different influences, to make what could finally seem personal music. The talent of musicians, without overdoing it, and the sublime sense of melody are a guarantee of success for this group who reigns our ears.
(Additional review):
Ocerian:
-Totally rooted in the prog of the 70s and 80s, Fatal Fusion serves us a nice album, sober and wonderfully pleasant.
ProfilProg, La Radio Progressive de Quebec, Philippe André, 8,3 points, December 2016:
-...a very good album, deserves a place among my top 10 of this flamboyant year of 2016.
Metal Factory, Sacha Sch., Switzerland, 9/10 points, December 2016:
-...they’re back with their latest prank, Total Absence. And again the guys from Oslo inspire me. (...) The Norwegians are putting down a real gem of prog rock here, and I'm sure that's something that every fan of this up-and-coming music will enjoy. Compliments to the guys from Oslo!
SoundScape, Natalie Humphries, 9/10 points, 25.11.2016:
-One of the best things about Fatal Fusion is that they have a fairly old-school sound to their music, yet there’s also a modern spin and the balance is good (...) – they’ve combined the past and present and it really works for them. (...) Fatal Fusion’s last album was good – but this one is great. Total Absence is an album that should not be missed.
New Prog Releases, 25.11.2016:
-An album filled with epic melodies that are at times exotic, at times wistful, and at times have a quasi-folkish air, and which sweep the listener along on a prog-tinged journey that could be the soundtrack to a fantasy film. Fatal Fusion pays homage to the great progressive rock bands of the 70’s, whilst at the same time ensuring that the band’s sound remains unique, with its mix of hard rock, classical music, jazz, psychedelia and Latin.
johnkatsmc5, The Experience of Music prog blog, 24.11.2016:
-There are some mellotron-drenched passages with the ticking bass really blows the mind, growly voices evoke rancid fear and hollow dread, the beat funeral-like until the speed machine powers in unrelenting, spurred by keyboardist Erlend Engebretsen’s expanse and emotive arsenal, highly symphonic and occasional neo, what with those nasty synth solos garnishing the pace. Stig Selnes is a rock guitarist and he lays it on, thick and creamy, throw in a stellar organ parade, and oh My! Magic!
Metal.de, Michael Klaas, Germany, 24.11.2016
Patricia Thomas Management, 15.11.2016:
-Known for using classical rock instruments such as vintage synths, mellotron and hammond organ, along with the usual modern rock instruments, Norway’s Fatal Fusion have come up with an album that is infused with hard rock, classical music, jazz and psychedelic influences giving the band its unique sound. It is also an album that allows the band to reveal its darker side.
News from Karisma Records, Details of thirds full-length album, 14.10.2016.
