Høst-Hardt Mot Hardt (1976)

Høst were another important band in the Norwegian rock scene of the 1970s. Formed in the town of Knapstad in 1971, they initially leaned towards hard rock, releasing the album "På Sterke Vinger" (1974), which achieved some notoriety in the country's heavy rock circuit. However, after this release, three members left the band and were replaced by guitarist Fezza Ellingsen, drummer Willy Bendiksen, and keyboardist Halvdan Nedrejord, while Geir Jahren (vocals) and Bernt Bodahl (bass) remained. With this lineup, they released the album "Hardt Mot Hardt" in 1976, which, unlike its predecessor, focused on progressive sounds while subtly retaining their initial hard rock style. The addition of the new guitarist was fundamental to the complex compositions of the new album. His diverse guitar style, blending heavy rock riffs with classical and Norwegian folk influences, is the highlight of this second album. Tracks like "Gorobin", "Sirkus", "Æræeo", and "Nattergalen" stand out on "Hardt Mot Hardt", where the theatrical vocals sung in Norwegian, along with the sounds of the flute and organ, provide the perfect counterpoint to the guitarist's instrumental virtuosity.